For Immediate Release, 3 September 2013 AFDO Responds to Labor’s Election Commitments on Disability As the primary national voice to Government representing the interests of people with disability across Australia, AFDO welcomes Labor’s reaffirmed commitment to implement the National Disability Strategy, which will create more accessible and inclusive communities, and support the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). “With more people with disability participating in the community we need real change in the way people think about ‘disability’ and how communities can benefit from the skills and talents people with disability have”, said Mr Stephen Gianni, Acting Chief Executive Officer. “What many people don’t realise is that everyone benefits from embracing diversity and creating inclusive welcoming communities”. AFDO is also supportive of the Closing the Gap targets on disability services for indigenous Australians with disability, additional funding for accessible playgrounds, increased investment in carers through the MyTime Peer Support Program and counselling for young carers. With a huge expansion in disability support, AFDO has however expressed concern about the availability of a skilled workforce to meet increased demand, noting that the 5,800 training places over the next two years signalled as part of the Skilling for Better Services initiative will not be sufficient to bridge the skills gap. “If additional support dollars are not matched with an appropriately skilled workforce, people may not get maximum benefit from the NDIS. We need to closely monitor the capacity of the workforce to deliver the NDIS and take decisive and prompt action to address any skill shortages”, Mr Gianni said. As an organisation of and for people with disability, AFDO also supports the $1.5 million increase in funding for disability advocacy services. Secure and sustainable funding for independent advocacy is vital in promoting the rights of people with disability, monitoring compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensuring people have access to independent support when pursuing complaints. Mr Gianni also called for further clarity prior to the election on areas requiring reform, such as calls to increase the Newstart Allowance. “While AFDO supports much of Labor’s election platform, we are concerned about what has not been said”, noted Mr Gianni. AFDO has previously called for a $50 increase in the Newstart Allowance to address the high level of poverty experienced by some people with disability who do not qualify for the Disability Support Pension; a concern we hoped would be addressed in pre-released election policies”. “As Australia rates 21 out of 29 OECD countries in the employment rates of people with disability, we need to address the issue of appropriate support and employment opportunities as a matter of urgency. With employment rates in the Australian Public Service falling in recent years, this Federal election provides an opportunity for political parties to take steps to introduce policies and targets to reverse this alarming trend”, Mr Gianni said. Please direct all enquiries to Bill Lawler on 03 9662 3324.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 10:21:37 +0000