Victoria calls on federal help to contain Covid-19 outbreaks in residential disability care

Daniel Andrews says a joint state-federal response unit is needed as 81 active coronavirus cases are linked to 53 disability facilities

Shorten lashes out at profit-driven aged care and Morrison government over Covid failings

The Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, has called on the federal government to take a greater role in the management of Covid-19 outbreaks with the disability sector, arguing for a response similar to the unit established for aged care.

There are currently 81 active cases linked to more than 50 disability accomodation sites - the majority of which are regulated by federal authorities under the NDIS or are transitioning to commonwealth oversight - but experts and disability advocates say the crisis roiling the aged care sector shows the situation could quickly escalate.