Lesley Hall

The disability sector has lost an outstanding leader, following the passing of Lesley Hall.

On behalf of the Australian Government I want to acknowledge the invaluable contribution Lesley made to the disability sector and to the lives of so many people.

Lesley was one the ‘generals’ of the sector.

She was a strong advocate for the rights of people with disability, particularly women with disability.

Her contribution to improving the rights and wellbeing of people with disability on a national level has been remarkable.

For the past five years, Lesley was Chief Executive of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, where she advocated for rights and opportunities for people with disability.

She was a driving force behind the scenes to develop the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the most significant reform to Australia’s system of support for people with disability, their families and carers.

Through Lesley’s work on two of the National Disability Insurance Scheme expert groups, she helped ensure control and choice underpinned the design of the scheme and the work of the National Disability Insurance Agency.

This will be her legacy for years to come.

Lesley will be sorely missed by all who knew her. My thoughts are with her family.