Page 3423 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 22 August 2018
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MR PARTON: Minister, why do ongoing planning decisions reduce green space and community-use land?
MR GENTLEMAN: They do not.
Government—disability services
MR STEEL: My question is to the Minister for Disability, Children and Youth. Minister, how is the ACT government celebrating and supporting the leadership of people with a disability?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Steel for his question and congratulate him on his election to the ministry by his colleagues in caucus. I look forward to working with him.
The ACT government is proud to be able to support the next generation of disability leaders through a range of programs and scholarships to equip them with the skills they need for the future. The ACT government recognises the importance of ensuring that people with disability have the tools and the opportunities to advocate and provide leadership on issues that are critical to their lives.
To this end, the government has funded a program for emerging leaders with disability called “Being proud by practicing: strengthening youth voices in the ACT”. This program, run by women with disabilities in partnership with People with Disabilities and Advocacy for Inclusion, aims to engage and build the skills of a new generation of leaders. Investing in leadership skills now will have long-term benefits for individuals, the community and government.
The ACT government also recently sponsored two individual leadership opportunities. Ms Clare Moore, the new CEO of Women with Disabilities ACT, is being supported to participate in the future shapers program. This is a 12-month leadership development program focusing on transformational leadership growth and big picture strategic thinking run by the Disability Leadership Institute. Ms Carol Jennings is one of a number of women being supported by the ACT government to participate in the She Leads Diploma of Leadership and Management which is being run by the YWCA. I congratulate both women on these opportunities and wish them all the best with them.
There is more work to do in recognising the value of the diverse experiences that people with disability bring to leadership roles and to celebrate the achievements of people with disability who are already in those roles.
MR STEEL: Minister, what opportunities are there for community organisations and individuals to promote awareness and understanding of disability issues and encourage support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disability?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Steel for the supplementary. This government is committed to empowering people with disability to be leaders, as I said, and not just
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video