New Zealand government's disability committee labeled "window dressing"

From Radio New Zealand:

A group that advocates for disabled people has described the Government's new committee for channelling its multi-billion dollar funding as "window dressing".

Following a select committee inquiry last year, a Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues has been formed.

Its chair, Disability Issues Minister Paula Bennett, says the committee will seek ensure disability support works well, is fairly distributed and gives value for money.

She says people who need equipment such as wheelchairs should not have to put up with delays, and the Government plans to head towards more individualised funding.

Disabled Persons Assembly president Wendy Neilson has branded the committee "window-dressing" and says the minister should have consulted her group as a recognised advocacy group.

She says people with disability are not passive recipients and would have offered valuable feedback.

The committee's core membership comprises the Ministers of Finance, Justice, Health, Education and Transport.