Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

WANTED: Leaders for tomorrow

The Australian Government is encouraging people with disability to apply for a leadership program that will help people with disability become leaders in business, the community and government.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, said applications are now open for the Government’s Leaders for Tomorrow program.

Leaders for Tomorrow is an innovative program that supports people with disability to develop their leadership skills, overcome barriers into work and education and reach their full potential,” Senator McLucas said.

“By linking participants with appropriate training, support and mentoring, Leaders for Tomorrow will develop participants’ skills and confidence to become leaders in business, the community and government.”

Leaders for Tomorrow is a Gillard Government election commitment and is being delivered by TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, leading a consortium with E-QUAL (Enhancing Quality).

People with a broad range of skill levels and leadership interests are encouraged to apply for the 12 month program.

The program will be tailored according to each participant’s leadership aspirations and needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support such as training, coaching and workplace mentoring to help them achieve their leadership goals.

Senator McLucas said it is important that every Australian has the confidence to participate in work, community and social activities and are provided with the right support to reach their full potential.

“We want every Australian, including people with disability, to achieve their best in life, to develop skills and gain experience, and to have the confidence to dream big and believe in themselves.”

“The Leaders for Tomorrow program is an excellent opportunity for people with disability to help achieve their long-term goals. I really encourage people with disability right across Australia to apply for this leadership program.”

Leaders for Tomorrow is part of the Gillard Government’s $11 million accessibility package to remove barriers and expand opportunities for people with disability.

The Gillard Government is also working with state and territory governments to deliver improvements to disability care and support as quickly as possible.

Last week, the Gillard Government and all state and territory governments agreed to lay the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme by mid-2013 – a year ahead of the timetable set out by the Productivity Commission.

Applications for the Leaders for Tomorrow program close Friday 25 November 2011.

For more information and application forms, go to: www.leadersfortomorrow.com.au.