Thursday 2 December 2004
International Day of People with a Disability
Federal Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski has welcomed the Australian Government's leadership on the development of disability rights internationally and called for all governments to do more at home.
Dr Ozdowski today called on federal, state and local governments to cast aside complacency and make a firm commitment to action on the International Day of People with a Disability this Friday (3 December).
The Australian Government has joined in sponsoring a United Nations' General Assembly resolution on the development of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, a move welcomed by Dr Ozdowski as a very positive contribution to the development of an important human rights treaty.
"I appreciate the way the Government has been working in partnership with the disability community and with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in this process," said Dr Ozdowski.
Dr Ozdowski said that people with disabilities experienced disadvantage and exclusion around the world.
"Here in Australia also, all levels of government have more to do in building a society that properly respects and protects the human rights of people with disabilities," Dr Ozdowski said.
Some of the most pressing issues to be addressed include:
- The employment position of people with disabilities which remains far below equality even after more than a decade of disability discrimination legislation;
- The tragedy of chronic under-resourcing of mental health needs;
- Ensuring that disability welfare reform is aimed at improving the inclusion and participation of people with a disability, not just on cutting expenditure;
- Continuing work to make public transport and buildings more accessible;
- Ensuring that young people with high support needs have better accommodation options than being consigned to aged care facilities such as nursing homes; and
- Addressing unmet needs for support for people with disabilities and their families.
Media contact: Janine MacDonald 02 9284 9880 or 0407 660 235
Last updated 1 December 2004.
