Cliff Robinson, 74, cares for two adult mentally disabled children in their 40s, and is one of a number of individuals asking the government to pay families for caring for their disabled relatives just like they pay for those who are placed in the care of non-family caregivers. In 1975, Mr. Robinson took his two children and another boy he was told he could get care for under the DPB (domestic purpose benefit).

"I am still waiting for the help", said Mr. Robinson, who also says that without support from the government for the care of his children, he will never be able to retire. "All we are asking for is financial support from the state that the courts have ruled that we should have", he said.

In an interview to Nine to Noon, Mr. Robinson said that the families who care for their mentally disabled loved ones aren't even asking for as much money as external full-time caregivers. He said they're asking for around $30,000 per year, which is only one-third of the cost of hiring someone else to do the job. He believes the government is only postponing the case because they know they can't win.

However, Green Party Member of Parliament Catherine Delahunty said the government should just drop the case and give the families their compensation. She invited these families to speak with Parliament on Wednesday so they can share their struggles and their need for the money.