Appointment of Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers and the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services

I welcome the appointment and swearing in of Senator Jan McLucas as Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers and Julie Collins MP as Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services.

Senator McLucas will work with me in delivering the Gillard Government’s election commitments for people with disability and their carers, including the Better Start for Children with Disability initiative and additional supported accommodation, as well as assisting to manage the disability and carers programs delivered by my Department.

She will also assist me by working with the states and territories to deliver services and reforms under the National Disability Agreement, implement the National Disability Strategy and develop the National Carer Strategy.

I will lead the Gillard Government’s response to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into a national disability care and support scheme, including consideration of a disability insurance scheme.

Ms Collins has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Community Services.

In her new role, Ms Collins will work with me in managing a range of services, including local community programs, family relationship services and financial management programs. She will also assist me on community mental health.

Ms Collins and Senator McLucas are looking forward to working closely with the non-profit sector in their new roles.

I’m very pleased to be assisted in my work by Senator McLucas and Ms Collins.