MEDIA RELEASE

5 May 2008

People with disability are optimistic that recent Australian Government initiatives herald a new era of positive cooperation in disability policy.

Jeremy Muir, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, said that people with disability welcomed the new Federal approach to disability policy, which puts the human rights of people with disability at its centre.

As work starts on developing a National Disability Strategy and a National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy, the Government is proving eager to listen to people with disability to make sure our opinions and expertise are captured.

“To be effective, disability policy must start with the needs of people with disability, and no-one knows these better than people with disability themselves. That’s why it’s so important that the Government has signalled its commitment to put into practice the disability sector’s core demand: Nothing About Us, Without Us!” Mr Muir said.

People with disability have also welcomed other recent Commonwealth initiatives for people with disability, including:
• Moving to quickly ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disability;
• Establishing the Disability Investment Group; and,
• Significantly increased funding for housing and education for people with disability.

The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and its members look forward to continuing in working with the Government to achieve changes that will make a practical difference to the lives of people with disability, such as improved access to public buildings and expanded concessions.

More information: Jeremy Muir, CEO – 0414 422 987