Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai Lun, together with Chris Sun Yuk Han, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Alice Mak Mei Kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, hosted the 2023-24 Budget Consultation Session on the afternoon of 16 January 2023.

RAHK was invited by the government to participate in the Consultation Session and express opinions. General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung presented three points of view on the fiscal budget, including:

• Promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities to reshape a positive inclusive work environment.
• Providing funding for local organisations to promote grassroots healthcare and enhance synergy with District Health Centres (DHCs) and DHC Expresses.
• Expanding the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care to cover a wider range of beneficiaries and deeper funding to facilitate the practical implementation of innovative technologies, aiding persons with disabilities in community living and reducing caregiving pressures.

We will also submit our opinions to the government in writing.

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Full speech by General Secretary William Chan Hei Lung:

Honourable Secretary and Directors,

As the pandemic recedes and society gradually returns to normalcy, many areas concerning persons with disabilities and caregivers still require government financial and resource reallocations and additional support.

Firstly, the severe unemployment situation among persons with disabilities during the pandemic persists. Finding employment was already difficult in the past, and with the economic downturn during the pandemic, employers are more conservative and cautious, making it even harder for persons with disabilities to secure jobs. As the largest employer, I recommend the government allocate resources to various policy bureaus and departments to create a variety of positions, providing more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and reshaping a positive work environment.

Secondly, understanding that the government is actively promoting the development of grassroots healthcare, we support the community-based approach and the establishment of a grassroots healthcare network. We hope the government allocates resources to strengthen support. Relying solely on local DHCs and DHC Expresses may not effectively penetrate the community with soft and impactful messaging for education. In this regard, community-rooted organisations for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and long-term patients play crucial and pivotal roles. In the budget, funds can be allocated to establish a simple fund support program for organisations of various scales to plan projects, promote grassroots healthcare, and generate synergies with DHCs and DHC Expresses.

Lastly, we recommend the government allocate more resources to expand the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care to cover a wider range of beneficiaries and provide deeper funding. Currently, many organisations of persons with disabilities and self-help groups do not qualify for the fund, which is regrettable. Additionally, innovative technologies and products under the fund, such as caregiving support applications, companion robots, and fall prevention technologies, have been recognised by persons with disabilities and caregivers in community living. However, many individuals do not meet the eligibility criteria to apply. Promoting elderly innovation and technology should be comprehensive, allowing technologies to be practically implemented. We hope the government allocates resources to optimise the Elderly Innovation and Technology Fund, benefiting more individuals.