Rudd Government Proposes Ratification of UN Disabilities Convention

The Rudd Government has today tabled in Parliament a National Interest Analysis, which proposes that Australia ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“The Convention recognises that people with disabilities are entitled to enjoy all human rights on an equal basis with others,” Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.

“It also assists countries all over the world to promote awareness of those rights and take practical steps to enable people with disability to participate fully in society.”

The National Interest Analysis examines the impact ratification would have on Australia and Australians living with disability. It is the result of consultations with the disability sector, industry, the States and Territories, relevant Commonwealth Government agencies and the broader community.

It confirms that Australia complies with the Convention and already substantially implements those obligations.

“Ratifying the Convention sends an unequivocal message that people with disabilities should be treated equally and not as second class citizens,” Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services Bill Shorten said.

“The Rudd Government is working hard to continually improve the lives of people with disability, including through the development of a National Disability Strategy.”

The proposal to ratify the Convention will now be considered by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.