Page 3971 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 15 Sept 2009
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Minister for Corrections): For the information of members, I present the following paper:
Future directions: towards challenge 2014, prepared by the Department of Disability Housing and Community Services, dated September 2009.
I seek leave to make a statement in relation to the paper.
Leave granted.
MR HARGREAVES: I am very pleased to table today for the information of members the government’s next policy framework for people with disability in the ACT called Future directions: towards challenge 2014. This government is committed to improving outcomes and opportunities for all of the 45,000 Canberrans with disability and achieving this vision established in 2002:
All people with disabilities achieve what they want to achieve, live how they choose to live and are valued as full and equal members of the ACT community.
The 10-year vision for the future of disability in the ACT articulated in challenge 2014 calls on the whole community, including government, to take responsibility for effective change. In September 2004, this government launched Future directions: a framework for the ACT 2004-2008. This was a first step in a collaborative, coordinated, holistic approach to achieving the vision and rights of people with disability for self-determination, respect, dignity and participation at all levels in the community. The framework has delivered considerable gains for people with disability.
Policy and culture have been influenced through the promotion of an inclusive society and the commencement, for example, of the Human Rights Commission Act and the appointment of the Disability and Community Services Commissioner. Considerable connections have also been built between community and business groups, resulting in increased positive recognition of people with disability. For example, the “business leaders: innovation, thoughts and solutions blitz” initiative is achieving positive gains in promoting initiatives that value people with disability as customers, suppliers, employees and employers in business, arts and sport.
Access to government services has also improved considerably. We have strengthened the capacity of people with disability and their families and carers to maximise control over their lives. There is now a greater community involvement in the development and delivery of policy, programs and services, and people are better informed about the services and supports that are available.
The sustainability and responsiveness of the service delivery sector have been strengthened through partnerships. As an example, the disability workforce strategy, a joint initiative with the community sector, has achieved much success in recruiting and retaining staff and promoting innovative practices at the coalface. Planning and funding have improved to meet the needs of people requiring ongoing support.
In the six years since 2002-03, this government has increased recurrent funding for disability supports from $41.521 million to $68.589 million in 2009-10. This
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .