Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Ministry appeals against caregiver payment ruling

Updated at 9:03 am on 8 April 2011

The Ministry of Health has lodged an appeal against a High Court decision that found it discriminated against caregivers who looked after their family members.

Seven families are fighting the ministry to be paid for caring for their severely disabled adult children in legal action that began in 1999.

In December last year, the High Court upheld a Human Rights Tribunal finding that the ministry had discriminated against family members because they are related to their patients.

The Office of Human Rights Proceedings estimates the case will cost the ministry up to $64 million a year.

However, the ministry says the case has wide-reaching implications and could cost it almost $600 million.

Cliff Robinson, who is in his 70s and looks after his son and daughter full-time, says that is grossly exaggerated and he and the other families just want what they're entitled too.

He says he is battle-weary but will fight on for what is right.

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