Evaluation demonstrates the Howard Government’s ongoing commitment

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today announced the release of the report on the evaluation of the Commonwealth Disability Strategy (CDS) which is aimed at improving employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disability.

"The CDS encourages government departments to offer an accessible workplace for people with disability, and to recognise and consider the needs of people with disability in the development and delivery of policies, programs and services," Mr Brough said.

"The independent evaluation, conducted by Erebus International, highlights the progress made by the Howard Government towards the overall goal of full inclusion, and reminds us of the continual process to improve outcomes for people with disability.

"The Howard Government is already responding to this through the Management Advisory Committee, made up of Portfolio Secretaries and key Agency Heads, which has committed relevant agencies to a series of objectives.

"These objectives, which aim to improve the recruitment and retention of people with disability, were outlined in a report recently released by the Public Service Commissioner.

"The work of the Management Advisory Committee, along with the CDS evaluation, will inform the future development of the Strategy to ensure it remains relevant and effective in promoting the five principles of equity, inclusion, participation, access and accountability.

"The Australian Public Service currently employs over 4,000 people with disability through its government departments, with employees offered continual support and guidance, and I urge all Australian businesses to follow this lead.

"The Howard Government welcomes this report as a tool to assist in the development and delivery of policies, programs and services to people with disability with the CDS setting the direction to achieve this," Mr Brough said.