Tony Ryall

Wellington, Feb 10 NZPA - The Government has rejected a parliamentary committee's recommendation that a single agency should be established to oversee the disability sector.

The social services select committee report recommending a Disability Commission, similar to the Mental Health Commission, followed an inquiry which uncovered neglect, abuse and a series of failings in the sector.

But Health Minister Tony Ryall said establishing a Disability Commission would be a "significant and costly structural change" which would not be happening.

Instead, the Government would a establish ministerial committee on disability issues, to improve ministerial-level collaboration. It would be chaired by Disability Issues Minister Paula Bennett.

"We have also asked officials what practical changes can be made to improve government agency responsiveness to disabled people, so they don't have to deal with as many different funding agencies," Mr Ryall said.

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