Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
RELATED: Housing crisis calls echoed
RELATED: Young carers under strain
PEOPLE with disabilities are suffering due to a "dire shortage" of housing options, according to National Disability Services Victoria manager James O'Brien.
"We have an urgent need for government action to ensure there are adequate options," he said.
"We really need to look at creating good community-based housing options where people can live independently if possible and be a part of the community."
Mr O'Brien said the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme presented a "terrific opportunity" to improve offerings.
The NDIS is expected to be fully rolled out by 2018-2019.
Mr O'Brien said the state government needed to step up in the mean time to provide stopgap services.
"There has been a shortage in investment in housing by the state government in recent times," he said.
"There's a need for real concrete action to provide a solution."
He said the government should redevelop some of its housing stock or provide incentives to developers to build housing for people with disabilities.
Disability service providers were keen to help solve the problem but were unable to do so without government support, he said.
"What we're lacking is any government agencies taking the lead on this," he said.
Victorian Disability and Ageing Minister Martin Foley said he had raised the issue with his federal counterpart Match Fifield.
"I urge Minister Fifield to shoulder his share of the responsibility for disability housing under the National Disability Insurance Scheme," he said.
"Any further delay in making agreements with state and territory governments will cause uncertainty and unnecessary stress for people with disability and those who love and care for them.
"The Andrews Labor Government is committed to working towards ensuring that every Victorian with disability gets the support they need to live as full a life as possible. This must include affordable, secure and available housing."