Landmark ruling for parents of disabled children

There's elation at a landmark court ruling that parents of disabled children are being unreasonably discriminated against by not being allowed to be paid carers.

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by the Ministry of Health, against a finding that its current policy is discriminatory.

Cliff Robinson is one of those involved in the case, as the father of two disabled adult children.

He's thrilled at the outcome.

"Five of the best legal minds in New Zealand, the five judges at the Court of Appeal, have thrown the Ministry of Health's case out, that there was discrimination against the parents and we have the right to have recompense for our efforts."

Mr Robinson says the case is recognition he's spent most of his adult life looking after handicapped people, and that it's been a long, lonely journey at times.

Health minister Tony Ryall says the ruling is complex and serious and he needs to work through the full financial implications of it.

"We could find ourselves having to pay family members who are caring for their aged family members in the future. Now that is a very big ticket item."

Photo: Edward Swift