Australian Federation of Disability Organisations

The first edition of the AFDO Newsletter for 2010 contains a range of articles about our work and work happening in the sector, including:

An update on the AFDO Human Rights Monitoring Project, which is examining how AFDO might monitor the human rights of people with disability now and into the future;

The Consultation report on the National Disability Parking Scheme has now been released.

To view a copy of the report go to

For a copy of the consultation report go to

National Disability Parking Scheme

Attached is the AFDO Submission to the Inquiry conducted by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FAHCSIA) into the Harmonisation of Disability Parking Schemes during 2009. Thanks to everyone who has given us valuable input towards this submission through posts on our website and Facebook page, and through our member organisations.

This notice is an advanced warning of an upcoming consultation by the Australian Rail Association (ARA) about its proposed Code of Practice. No further information will be available until after 15th March.

For the last few years the Australian Rail Association (ARA) through its Standards process of Rail Institute Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) has been compiling an Accessible Rail Services Code of Practice. This Code of Practice will set out the Standards whereby operators in the rail industry must provide accessibility for people with disabilities to the rail environment under the provisions of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (2002) under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).

In November 2009, the Federal Government announced a Productivity Commission inquiry into disability care and support. You can find out more about the inquiry by going to the Productivity Commission website.

Two things have led to this inquiry.

The National Disability and Carer's Alliance has been calling for a National Disability Insurance Scheme to make sure people with disability can get funding for supports. You can find out more about the Alliance and the Scheme by visiting the National Disability Insurance Scheme site.

The House of Representatives Legislative and Constitutional Affairs Committee recently released a report on the draft Access to Premises Standard called Access All Areas. The report contained a number of recommendations which are now being considered by the government.

AFDO has produced two documents for people interested in responding to the report. They are: