FORMER wards of the state will be granted free access to key stategovernment services under a landmark multimillion-dollarplan.

The scheme, the first of its kind in Australia, would give up to 1000"survivors" free medical and dental services, training and education, plus helpobtaining public housing.

Lobby groups, which have yet to see the blueprint, said the scheme would notabsolve the Government from paying them financial compensation.

"We've missed out on education. We've missed out on opportunities in life,"Historical Abuse Network team leader Allan Allaway said. "We've had to take onthe dirty, menial, low-paid jobs that others wouldn't take.

"We were forever hungry in those hell holes and forever in second-hand,patch-me-up clothes."

A spokesman for Communities Minister Warren Pitt refused to comment on thedetails, but said many options were being canvassed, including providing formerwards of the state with essential services.

The spokesman said the matter was before the government budget Cabinet reviewcommittee, but an announcement would be made "within a few months".

The Courier-Mail has learned that Mr Pitt has asked the Governmentto consider providing a specialised card – similar to a Gold Card or VeteransAffairs Card – which would help in the access of the services.

It is understood people will not have to prove they were abused, only thatthey were foster children or in detention centres or institutions during thenominated period.

It is almost eight years since the historic Forde inquiry recommended that"principles of compensation" should provide "a balance between individualmonetary compensation and provision of services".

The Government has maintained its stand of not providing financialcompensation.

Esther Centre advocacy organisation co-ordinator Karyn Walsh said some peopledesperately needed health services because of the problems they encounteredduring their care. "For some people it (access to key services) will help, andsome will never be satisfied until they get court-ordered compensation," MsWalsh said.

"It's the perseverance and resilience of former (residents) who say: 'This isunfinished business'."

Asked to suggest why Queensland appeared poised to be the first state tointroduce the scheme, she said: "I think Queensland is in the position it is inbecause it launched an inquiry into children in institutions."