PRIE MINISTER .6
TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF
THE REGENCY PARK CENTRE
I was very happy to be able to accept Dr Paterson's-invitation
to attend the opening ceremony of this multi-diagnostic treatment
and training centre.
Both Mrs Fraser and I are delighted to be here to share with the
members of the'. Crippled Children's association of South Australia
their pleasure and pride in their achievement. Because principally,
this centre has been built as the result of the efforts of the
As-sociation.
* Australia is a better country. because people are willing to wor k
with each other through voluntary organizations to assist those who
are in some way disadvantaged.
The quality of provision for special groups in Australia is
greatly dependent on the work of voluntary organizations suc h-as
the Crippled Children's Association. This is as it should be.
Governmdnt. simply cannot arouse the concern or mobilise the
energies of people as effectively as can voluntary organizations.
Any attempt to provide effective assistance for those in need
must rely heavily on the good will and co-operation of the community,
voluntary associations and the Government. This centre is a major
example of that.
The Commonwealth Government has contributed 3.5 million dollars
under the Handicapped Persons Assistance Act. The GoVernment
considers such money very well spent when it supplements the
dedicated work so many people have put into this centre.
The Government's policy in the social welfare field places an
emphasis on co-operative effort. we believe that individual, group
and Government participation and consultation is ne3cessary for
the planning and implementation of a co-ordinated and effective
social welfare policy.
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it is through the efforts of iiidividuals and groups in
co-operation with Government, that diversity and choice,
innovation, community participation and a spirit of voluntary
association and self-help enhance growth and development, not
onl~ y with regard to welfare organisations themselves, but in
respect of the persons they assist.
The efforts of highly committ-ad and dedicated people in the
field of voluntary welfare services are able to give even more
of their best where the organisations which they support are
allowed to follow broadly their own paths with the least amount
of Governmental oversighting.
Thp Government has placed an emphasis on the role in society
of the private sector and we are moving away from a trend towards
too much Government direction.
We will continue to encourage the concept of self-help which
has been exemplified in the building of the Regency Park Ceiitre.
We believ3 that welfare programs are most effective where
Government contributions are combined with community self-help.
The Commonwealth Government is prcviding assistance to the Centre
at the rate of about $ 450,000 a year towards the cost of the
salaries of the staff employed there.
It is also quite likely that some of the children who pass
through the Centre may also receive further assistance through
the Commonwealth Government's rehabilitation service and others
through assistance provided in respect of sheltered employment.
The Government is also considering ways of assisting voluntary
organisations not only financially but, for example, by placing
public service resources at their disposal through improving
opportunities for transferability of staff between the Government
and the non-Government sector.