Page 3424 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 22 August 2018
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on disability issues but across our community. We also realise that each of us, as individuals, businesses, communities and community organisations, has a role to play in leading the way to ensure that our city is welcoming and inclusive for people of all abilities.
The ACT government is committed to supporting activities and individuals who seek to do exactly that. The second round of disability inclusion grants has just closed. I understand that we have had a large number of applications from across the community and businesses, highlighting the Canberra community’s desire to be more inclusive and welcoming for people with disability. I look forward with interest to the outcome of that process.
Nominations are now open for the 2018 Chief Minister’s inclusion awards, which provide an annual acknowledgement of the outstanding achievements of businesses, organisations and individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to inclusion. I would like to encourage everyone in this place, when you see an exemplary example of inclusion of people with disability, to submit a nomination so that we can all recognise and celebrate Canberra’s inclusivity.
We can also celebrate the contribution, skills and achievement of people with disability, raise awareness of disability issues and connect people with disability to the community later this year when we mark the International Day of People with Disability, or I-Day. Applications are now open for I-Day grants to support events and programs which celebrate and acknowledge the contribution, skills and achievements of people with disability and encourage people with disability and the wider community to connect, participate and get involved.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what is the ACT government doing to enable participation for people with disability in decision-making and in the civic life of our city?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: The ACT government recognises the importance of ensuring that people with disability can participate in the decisions and deliberations which affect them. This strengthens the civic life of our city. The ACT disability reference group is the advisory group to the ACT government. With a minimum of 50 per cent representation by people with disability, alongside carers, sector representatives and advocates, the disability reference group advises the ACT government on ways in which the ACT can be a more inclusive community for people with disability.
The disability reference group’s work plan has four priorities: recognising the importance of improving our health, justice and employment outcomes for people with disability, and reinvigorating the ACT’s commitment under the national disability strategy. I always welcome their advice and look forward to continuing to work with the disability reference group.
Another example of how the ACT government is supporting the participation of people with disability in decision-making and in the civic life of our city is through the diversity register. Launched in June this year by the Deputy Chief Minister, the
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