There are improvements happening across a range of areas, notes Alison Peters, Director of NCOSS, however in many areas NSW remains behind other states and territories.

The quality of services in aged and community care meets at least the national average, and in some instances, exceeds this. However, the quantity and provision of community care is still behind that of other states and territories.

NSW appears to be one of the highest spending states on institutional care but one of the lowest spending states per user in group homes. Generally NSW falls behind other states, especially Victoria, in provision of service to people with disabilities. NCOSS is concerned that the Stronger Together package will not be enough to make up this ground.

Dental care remains a major priority in NSW. There has been very little change in the availability of dentists in NSW comparing 2003 data to 2005 data. Across NSW availability has only increased by 0.1, from 6.5 to 6.6 dentists per 100 000 population.

It is interesting to note, in light of the recent focus on public hospitals that NSW reported 5.4% of patients are waiting longer than 365 days for elective surgery, above the national average of 4.6%. However, this number has declined from 6.9% in 2004-05.

NSW also has an above average number of hospital beds available per 1000 people, however, the overall number has declined from 2004-05 figures (from 3.1 to 2.9).

NSW has one of the highest utilisation rates of centre-based long day care and family day care. However NSW also has some of the highest average fees charged by government approved centre-based long day care and family day care services.

While NCOSS is pleased to see some improvements since the last Productivity Commission report, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done by the NSW Government.

Media Contact: Alison Peters (NCOSS) Mob: 0425 231 814 Tel: (02) 9211 2599