Third term for National Disability Advisory Council announced

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced the appointment of nine new members for the third term of the National Disability Advisory Council.

The new members are Mr Nigel Webb (QLD); Ms Adele Gibson (QLD); Ms Deidre Croft (WA); Dr John Entwistle (SA); Dr Paul Collier (SA); Mr Byron Davis (NT); Ms Janice Slattery (VIC); Ms Ruth Jacka (NSW) and Ms Alison Lumby-Herridge (NSW). They will work with existing members Dr Lynette Davis (NSW), Ms Christine Kerr (WA), Ms Cheryl Shuttleworth (TAS) and Mr Ian Trewhella (ACT).

“I am pleased to advise that the Council will be chaired by Mr Ian Spicer AM for a further 12 months. Mr Joe Gamblin (QLD) will remain as Special Envoy, Employment and Business Services, and Ms Ruth Jacka (NSW) and Ms Christine Kerr (WA) have been appointed as Deputy Chairs for two years.

“The Council was established in 1996 and provides important advice on disability issues and strengthens the links between government and people with disabilities, their families and carers and service providers.”

“The selection process for the new council members attracted over 1000 enquiries and 148 high quality applications.

“The selection criteria required the council to maintain an appropriate balance of experience and expertise including people with a direct and personal experience of disability; people who are family members and carers of people with a disability; and people with expertise in support services for people with a disability.

“The Government continues its commitment to improve services and support people with disabilities and to deliver these services to the highest possible standards.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank retiring members for their valuable contributions to the work of the Council and look forward to working with the new Council,” said Senator Patterson.