Friday, 2 December 2011
Media Statement
Statement Of Recognition
International Day Of People With Disability
Not everyone who deserves an award gets an award. So, on International Day of People with Disability, I acknowledge the contributions and achievements of three individuals who have improved the lives of people with disability in Australia: Kim Walker, Robert Jones and Max Murray.
Kim Walker has worked tirelessly for the rights of people with disability, and to promote a greater understanding of the issues and lived experience of disability. She has been a strong advocate for people with an intellectual disability for over 22 years. She has worked for many organisations, including Self Advocacy and the Intellectual Disability Rights Service, where she worked as a Community Educator for 17 years. She also served on the Board of the NSW Council of Intellectual Disability, and has been a member of the Disability Council of NSW and People with Disability Australia. She has helped many people with disability understand and stand up for their rights. She has campaigned tirelessly for deinstitutionalisation, and the rights of people with complex needs.
Robert Jones and Max Murray represented the interests of people with disability throughout the negotiations of the Premises Standards, as members of the Building Access Policy Committee. While many people with disability contributed to the Premises Standards development, Robert Jones and Max Murray must be recognised for their dedication to making it happen. Their skill, and tenacious advocacy, led to many significant improvements from which future generations of Australians will benefit.
The commencement of the Premises Standards on May 1 was one of the most significant developments in the disability field this year. The Premises Standards will have an important effect on the accessibility of new and upgraded buildings for all Australians. Their implementation will ensure far greater opportunities for people with disability to participate in the social, cultural and economic life of our community as equal citizens.
All Australians, with and without disability, owe these three people a debt of gratitude for their work.
Graeme Innes
Disability Discrimination Commissioner
3 December 2011
