Media Releases by The Hon Bill Shorten MP
Consultations begin on a national disability care and support scheme
Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten today welcomed the start of the…
Statement on Christine Nixon
Christine Nixon is doing an excellent job as head of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority. Her hard work on the ground, and ability…
Autism advocates take to the streets to raise awareness
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten has praised hundreds of children with Autism, their families and carers who have marched through Melbourne to raise awareness…
Better care for young people with disability
Over 190 young people with disability were moved out of, or were diverted from entering residential aged care facilities between June 2006 and December 2008,…
New autism services for young children in Brisbane
Young children with autism spectrum disorders can now access specialist early childhood services vital for them to reach their full potential at a new, autism-specific…
New residency rules for Disability Support Pensioners
The Australian Government will crack down on people on the Disability Support Pension (DSP) who live permanently overseas but return to Australia every 13 weeks…
Pole position for people with disability at the Grand Prix
People with lifelong disability and their attendant carers will find it easier to attend this weekend’s Melbourne Formula-One Grand Prix with organisers deciding to accept…
Families in Dandenong get a new playground
Over 500 children and their families in Dandenong, will enjoy the benefits of a new playground unveiled today by the not-for profit organisation, the Queen…
Jobs Fund supports Victorian bushfire reconstruction
The Rudd Government today announced more than $2.6 million for bushfire-affected areas in Victoria under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Jobs Fund. Minister for…
Supporting playgroups for children and families
The World’s Biggest Playgroup Day is a time to celebrate playgroups and increase awareness of their work in communities across Australia. The Rudd Government is…
New Kitchen to Benefit Bushfire-Affected Communities in Gippsland
A new kitchen at the CATS Cricket Club in Traralgon South has hosted the first of many dinners for locals in the bushfire-affected area. Parliamentary…
Mayberry boosts Australia’s medal haul
The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis today congratulated Marty Mayberry on his silver medal in the standing downhill at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics today. The…
Court Decision Upholds Rights of People with Guide Dogs to Catch Taxis
A decision by a NSW Court to fine a taxi driver for refusing to carry a guide dog is a win for the rights of…
Swift start to Australia’s Winter Paralympics campaign
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, has congratulated Cameron Rahles-Rahbula on taking out the bronze medal for standing slalom at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics today.…
Birthday Girl Gives Historic Gift To Nation
The Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis, today congratulated Jessica Gallagher on winning a bronze medal in the vision-impaired slalom today at the Vancouver Winter Paralympics.…
Disability standards for access to premises
The Australian Government today launched the Disability Standards for Access to Premises, which for the first time set the minimum access requirements for people with…
$10 million business package to boost bushfire affected economies
Victorian Premier John Brumby and Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction Bill Shorten today unveiled a $10 million Commonwealth and Victorian government stimulus package…
Winter Paralympians to Inspire a Nation
The Australian Government today sent its best wishes to Australia’s team ahead of the Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games this weekend. “Sport shows us the great…
New arrangements for blind and vision impaired electors
Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig, today announced new measures providing a legal framework for blind and vision impaired electors to cast a vote…
New Accommodation for Younger People with Disabilities
The Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, today opened a new $1.7 million supported accommodation facility at Chigwell…
Government launches new Disability Employment Services
Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib today launched the Rudd Government’s new $1.2 billion Disability Employment Services. Senator Arbib, who launched the service at Break…
Rudd Government continues monitoring of States and Territories disability accommodation program
The Rudd Government recognises the difficulties faced by the ageing carers of people with disabilities and the urgent need for secure accommodation for people with…
New autism services for young children in Perth
A new Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre in Perth will give young West Australian children with Autism Spectrum Disorders access to specialist early…
Widespread support for upcoming national disability parking scheme
A national parking scheme for people with disability is a step closer following the release of a summary of consultations on the proposed scheme which…
Australian Rugby Union and Brumbies reach out to fans with disability
People with disability will find it easier to attend ACT Brumbies and other Australian Rugby Union (ARU) matches, including the Australian Wallabies, after the ARU…