"Parents from around the Cessnock Electorate and across the State are ringing in distraught because their lives have been thrown into complete disarray," Mr. Barr said.

"The O'Farrell Government has neglected hundreds of children with autism, cerebral palsy, physical impairments and other disabilities, leaving them unable to get to school – it is an out and out disgrace.

"Ministers Piccoli and Berejiklian should be hauled into the Premier's office immediately and forced to explain why basic transport arrangements for disabled children weren't sorted out weeks, even months, in advance.

"This is a shocking failure by the Government and a grave dereliction of duty by the Ministers responsible. We have received reports of children being confused and disoriented because their usual bus driver didn't arrive.

"Many of these children have behavioural problems and routine is vital to their ability to feel safe and secure.

"My heart goes out to the parents who persevere because they love their children dearly and want them to have the same opportunities as their classmates – regardless of their disability,” said Mr. Barr.

Mr. Barr’s office took inquiries from eight local families last week who were affected by the transport bungle, including the Bullen family of Aberdare.

Scott Bullen, 14, has autism and epilepsy, and has travelled by bus or taxi to Hunter River Community School at East Maitland for most of his schooling life.

His parents, both shift workers, were informed the Saturday before school went back that they would have to arrange their own transport for the Monday.

The government has since provided interim measures, with a bus arriving on the Tuesday and Wednesday while a taxi was supplied the next two days.

Scott’s father Steven said he was concerned about the disruptions to Scott’s routine, and that a taxi driver may not know what to do if he suffered a seizure.