Synopsis
Australia's federal, state, and territory governments have announced a national disability strategy aimed at improving inclusivity and addressing homelessness among individuals with disabilities, following a comprehensive review by the Royal Commission.Key Takeaways
- Governments unite for a new disability strategy.
- Focus on reducing homelessness among disabled individuals.
- Strategy includes community attitude changes.
- National actions implemented across all governments.
- Over 130 recommendations accepted for implementation.
Canberra, Jan 29 (NationPress) The governments of Australia at the federal, state, and territory levels have pledged to enhance inclusivity through a newly established national disability strategy.
The updated 10-year strategy was unveiled by the federal government on Wednesday, following recommendations from the significant Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Amanda Rishworth, the federal Minister for Social Services, stated that the revised strategy places a strong emphasis on supporting Australians with disabilities who are facing homelessness.
She noted that the new strategy encompasses three targeted action plans aimed at fostering the development of more inclusive homes and communities, transforming community perceptions, and enhancing the safety, rights, and justice for individuals with disabilities.
Rishworth mentioned, "For the first time, this strategy incorporates various national initiatives that all levels of government will collectively pursue with the disability community to ensure individuals with disabilities throughout Australia reap the benefits."
The final report from the Royal Commission, released in September 2023, followed a comprehensive 4.5-year inquiry and revealed that individuals with disabilities face significantly higher instances of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect compared to the general populace.
Comprising 5,000 pages, the report made 222 recommendations for reform, including a thorough review of the national disability strategy.
The federal government has full or shared responsibility for 172 of these recommendations, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In July 2024, Rishworth announced the government’s acceptance of 130 recommendations, either fully or in principle.
Endorsed by the Australian Prime Minister, all First Ministers, and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), the strategy serves as a national framework grounded in the social model of disability, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Australia over the next decade.
The updated strategy comes with an array of supporting materials, including: a refreshed 10-year milestone roadmap; an improved Data Improvement Plan; guidelines for implementing Australia’s Disability Strategy; educational videos; and an accessible factsheet detailing updates to the strategy.
