United Future
Judy Turner

Turner takes Trust’s case to Minister

“I’ve already informally taken the matter up with the Minister for Disability Issues, Ruth Dyson, and I will be pursuing it at both a local and national government level,” the Whakatane-based MP said.

“Yes, there have been problems, but I have seen that they are being addressed and that the Trust is restructuring, so there is hope for the future if it can get the necessary backing,” Mrs Turner said.

“And in terms of what the community needs, and the role that the Trust plays, it is vital that it be kept open.

“It does a tremendous job for disabled members of our community, and right now it needs the kind of support and backing that it gives to others,” she said.

“I was most impressed with the attitude and focus of the staff in the face of the stress of not knowing their future.

“They have shown tremendous flexibility in restructuring their approach from that of a workshop to a training facility, in line with the Government strategy of inclusion in the general workforce.

“There is some tremendous work being done. It would be a tragedy to lose EBAT,” she said.

Ends.