Page 955 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 2018
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Other groups represented at the expo include volunteering for the environment; the Canberra Calligraphy Society; 501st Legion Southern Garrison, a Star Wars cosplay group; Jumptown Swing; the Canberra Irish Language Association; the Canberra College of Piping and Drumming, who were playing out in Civic Square earlier, and apologies to those who were inconvenienced by that; Music for Canberra; the Ukulele Republic of Canberra; Table Tennis ACT; Canberra Bike Polo; the Canberra Bulls Motorcycle Speedway Club; and many more.
To keep attendees well satisfied, food and drink will be available at the expo and throughout the day local comedian, disability activist and feminist Laura Campbell will MC the event.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, what other support is available to promote and support the inclusion of people with disability in our community?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cheyne for her supplementary question and her ongoing interest in this issue. The ACT government provides a range of programs and services to promote and support the inclusion of people with disability in the Canberra community. This is because we recognise and value all Canberrans as part of our unique city.
Members will be familiar with the companion card program which enables people with disability who require assistance to get out and about to more easily participate in events and activities by making two tickets for the price of one concession available at affiliated businesses. This program continues to grow in the ACT, with the recent addition of a significant number of Canberra businesses becoming affiliates.
This year the ACT Inclusion Council, in partnership with the ACT government and the Canberra Business Chamber, is focusing on economic security through increased employment of people with disability. The council aims to expand options for employment in the private sector by addressing and overcoming barriers to employing people with disability.
In 2017 the first disability inclusion grant round attracted half a million dollars worth of applications from business and community to create a better and more inclusive society. We watch the progress of the successful applicants with great interest, and I look forward to announcing the 2018 grant round.
In addition, the new ACT disability commitment will be developed this year in partnership with the community. I look forward to the work, ideas and innovations that come from this space which will take us those next steps to becoming a truly inclusive community where all people belong, connect and fully participate. Watch this space, Madam Speaker.
Roads—Ashley Drive
MS LAWDER: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, in the 2012 election then Chief Minister Katy Gallagher committed
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