Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

Australian Government meets with experts on National Disability Strategy

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, today met with the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council to discuss the Government’s national disability agenda.

The National People with Disabilities and Carer Council was appointed by the Government to provide advice on the needs of people with disability, their families and carers.

Today Ms Macklin, Senator McLucas and Chair of the Council, Rhonda Galbally, welcomed two new members to the council – CEO of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, Lesley Hall, and Founder and Deputy Chair of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, Christopher Brown.

At the meeting Ms Macklin and Senator McLucas confirmed the Australian Government’s election commitments to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for people with disability.

The Australian Government is taking steps to address immediate issues with a nationwide approach to improving the lives of people with disability through improved cinema accessibility, an agreement on liveable housing design, and local infrastructure grants.

We have also committed to provide up to 150 additional supported accommodation and respite places, working through community organisations that are well-placed to respond to local needs.

The Government will also deliver the Better Start for Children with Disability program, which will ensure that children with disabilities that affect their development have access to intensive early intervention therapies and treatments from expert health professionals.

In the first year, around 7,880 young children diagnosed with sight and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome will be eligible for services under the program..

The Council has indicated their support for the Government’s draft National Disability Strategy, including the Productivity Commission Inquiry into a national disability long-term care and support scheme

The draft National Disability Strategy outlines the Australian Government’s 10-year national plan to improve the lives of people with disability, promote participation, and create a more inclusive society.

The Government values the Council’s input on the implementation of the national elements of Strategy.

We will take the draft National Disability Strategy to the next Council of Australian Governments.

The Australian Government is committed to working together with all levels of governments, the community and the sector to ensure better outcomes in the future for people with disability and their carers.