Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

New initiatives to support Australians with disability

Joint Media Release with:

  • Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg

The Morrison Government is guaranteeing the essential services Australians rely on in Budget 2021-22.

As part of the Budget, we are delivering two tailored programs designed and delivered by people with disability. These programs will promote accessible and inclusive healthcare practises, and boost community participation in sport for Australians with disability.

A new pilot program for health professionals will be rolled out across five hospitals to develop the most effective way to increase disability inclusion across the hospital sector. The program will provide a range of online resources, face-to-face seminars and training programs that will be designed and delivered by people with disability.

The Government will also launch a program across more than 500 schools and local clubs to increase sporting participation among people with disability from remote communities and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  The Sport4All program is targeted at both schools and sporting clubs to ensure people with disability are welcome and have the same opportunities to participate.

These programs will be delivered by Get Skilled Access, a disability-run organisation with years of experience providing awareness training to organisations across Australia.

Almost one in five Australians has a disability. The findings from these programs will be considered in the new National Disability Strategy to support people with disability over the next ten years.