Commitment 2

Commitment 2 – AFDO Political Platform

2. Commitment to funding the National Disability Strategy and progressive achievement of measurable outcomes at a federal level as well as ensuring this applies to all levels of government.

The National Disability Strategy was agreed to by the federal and state/territory governments in 2008. The Strategy is a well-developed document with key strategies to deliver on Australia’s commitment under the UNCRPD under six main areas;

Inclusive and accessible communities—the physical environment including public transport; parks, buildings and housing; digital information and communications technologies; civic life including social, sporting, recreational and cultural life.
Rights protection, justice and legislation—statutory protections such as anti-discrimination measures, complaints mechanisms, advocacy, the electoral and justice systems.
Economic security—jobs, business opportunities, financial independence, adequate income support for those not able to work, and housing.
Personal and community support—inclusion and participation in the community, person-centred care and support provided by specialist disability services and mainstream services; informal care and support.
Learning and skills—early childhood education and care, schools, further education, vocational education; transitions from education to employment; life-long learning.
Health and wellbeing—health services, health promotion and the interaction between health and disability systems; wellbeing and enjoyment of life.

Whilst, the document’s aims and strategies are supported, there has been little financial or relevant other commitment at any level of government, and it lacks agreed outcome measures to ensure that the objectives are progressively reached.

The main deliverable under the strategy over recent time has been the implementation and roll out of the NDIS, which is an important achievement but is only one element in meeting the six strategic areas.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) of which Australia ratified and is a signatory, as well as a signatory to the Optional Protocol. Once a country ratifies this means that the country is legally bound to implement the core 33 articles and must report on their progress in writing to the United Nations on a periodic basis.

Australia has also ratified and signed to the UN Sustainability Goals. These 17 Goals are intrinsically linked with the UNCRPD and requirements for the rights of people with disability. These two international requirements mean that Australia must deliver measurable outcomes in meeting its obligations under both.