23 April 2008
Disability Discrimination Commissioner congratulates business disability initiative
The Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has congratulated the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, on the Australian Government initiative to establish a Disability Investment Group.
The Group, announced by Mr Shorten today, has been tasked with examining options for private investment to support people with disability in areas such as housing, education, employment and access to equipment.
“This is an important recognition of the positive role that the Australian private sector can play in improving the quality of life of Australians with disabilities," Commissioner Innes said.
The Commissioner noted that the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has worked in partnership with business and disability organisations in a range of areas, including in transport, communications, banking, television and cinema, to improve access and opportunity for people with disability.
“Clearly, there is scope and need for much broader partnerships between government, industry and the disability community,” the Commissioner said. “I am confident that this group will add a new dimension to progress in this area.”
Commissioner Innes pointed to the Prime Minister’s 2020 Summit which highlighted the need for a national disability insurance scheme to help fill some of the huge gaps and unmet needs Australia has in meeting the costs of disability in the community. He said the Disability Investment Group could make a huge contribution in taking that idea forward and exploring what roles business could play in such a scheme.
“I am firmly of the belief that, with initiative and innovation, Australian business can make a real contribution toward ensuring people with disability have the maximum opportunity to participate and contribute to the life of the nation,” said Mr Innes.
Mr Innes encouraged people and organisations to respond to the Disability Investment Group when it invites submissions on how to remove barriers to greater private investment in disability, as well as to participate in consultations to be held around Australia.
Media contacts: Brinsley Marlay (02) 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
