Page 932 - Week 03 - Thursday, 19 March 2015
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which we can seize new opportunities and address future challenges. We have come a long way, but the journey does not end here. There is considerable work to be done to reverse the sobering findings that, compared to those without a disability, people with disability are less likely to be employed, more likely to be living in poverty, have lower income levels, are more likely to experience homelessness and are less likely to attain their year 12 qualifications. That reality, in a decent, inclusive society, cannot stand. The ACT disability inclusion statement will provide a framework to address some of these issues and drive change in mainstream services for better outcomes for people with a disability. The priorities of the ACT disability inclusion statement align with the priorities of the national disability strategy and reflect the feedback we have received from the community as well as the advice of the ACT disability expert panel.
We will use diverse engagement strategies to bring together people with disability, critical thinkers and subject matter experts on solutions to address the priority areas such as employment, housing, accessible communities, justice and health. A steering group will be created for each outcome area to provide guidance and facilitate ongoing community conversations and garner broader community support. The disability inclusion statement will create an online campaign to drive collaborative efforts across our community. The inclusion statement will have a website developed as a campaign and reporting hub.
I will update the Assembly in the coming months on the progress of the development of the disability inclusion statement and on how we are working in partnership with people with disability, their families, carers and the broader community as a whole. The development of the disability inclusion statement offers a unique opportunity for transformation and change and to explore truly innovative approaches for improving outcomes for people with disability. Inclusion matters and it is important. For me, “inclusion” means a community and society where everyone has respect and regard for one another. We are determined to create a more inclusive community and are ready to take the next steps to ensure that Canberra lives up to its promise of being the most livable city for all our citizens.
Debate (on motion by Dr Bourke) adjourned to the next sitting.
Sitting suspended from 12.13 to 2.30 pm.
Questions without notice
Asbestos—loose-fill insulation
MR HANSON: My question is to the Chief Minister, as the minister with responsibility for the Asbestos Response Taskforce. The ABC news reported on 9 March that “elderly residents had been given special treatment from the ACT government allowing them to stay in their homes until 2020”. Chief Minister, what is the special treatment from the ACT government that will allow elderly residents to stay in their homes?
MR BARR: The terms of the government’s buyback scheme allow for people to register their interest and receive a valuation from the territory government but then have an extended period before settlement, and that can be up to five years. So that
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