Kalimna client Chris Lieutier (in wheelchair) received some special attention from Liberal Party deputy leader Louise Asher, left, Narre Warren South Liberal candidate Michael Shepherdson and South East Metropolitan Region Liberal candidate Inga Peulich when they visited Kalimna recently.
THE Liberal Party hit the local campaign trail recently when Deputy Leader Louise Asher visited Narre Warren, along with local Liberal candidates.
Ms Asher, Narre Warren South Liberal candidate Michael Shepherdson and South East Metropolitan Region Liberal candidate Inga Peulich met management, staff, volunteers and individuals with disabilities at Kalimna Support Options in Webb Street.
Kalimna Support Options, a service of Options Victoria, offers support to people with a disability from the Narre Warren area.
According to the Liberal Party, it is now facing difficulty because of the State Government’s severe lack of funding.
Mr Shepherdson said the previous Liberal Government had provided funding for the facilities now enjoyed at Kalimna.
“Disappointingly, Labor has failed in its funding arrangements – providing a mere $5 million to be divided among every disability service provider in Victoria for co-location projects,” Mr Shepherdson said.
“I was really struck by the positive attitude and outlook of all at Kalimna, from the staff to every person. We could really see the positive benefits of those attending this centre.
“Labor must reconsider its funding options so the fantastic work of Kalimna can continue.”
Options Victoria executive officer Philip Toovey said a lack of capital funding was an ongoing problem, but the Government’s failure to index funding over the next three years was his principal concern.
Kalimna manager Alex Baya said the organisation’s strong relationship with businesses and community groups in Casey had helped it with training and placement of clients in the workplace.
Ms Asher said the Bracks Government was failing to address the needs of the growing area.
Narre Warren South Labor candidate Judith Graley said the Liberal Party was very quick to criticise but had made no promises and had no policies to actually help families.
“If I was to ask them what they were planning to do the answer would be a blank, nothing,” Ms Graley said.
“I look forward to meeting with Kalimna myself.
“I have a strong background of support for families, especially families with disabled children and those suffering with mental illness.
“But I do not intend to play politics with them as Shepherdson is doing. I intend to work with them to make sure that they get the best deal possible,” she said.
