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Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Disabilities

National Disability Strategy

Update on Developing the National Disability Strategy

There has been an extensive response to the consultation process on the National Disability Strategy with over 2,500 people attending capital city forums and focus groups in regional and remote areas and there have been over 700 submissions received to date. The deadline for submissions on the National Disability Strategy expired on 1 December 2008. However, due to the large number of requests for extensions, FaHCSIA will consider extending the deadline to 7 January 2009 upon request. To request an extension, please refer to the Contact Us information below.

Overview of the Strategy

As part of an ongoing commitment to the rights of people with disability, the Australian Government is developing a National Disability Strategy (the Strategy). The Strategy will be developed in close consultation with the Australian community, disability and carer peak bodies, employers, industry experts and state and territory governments.

The Strategy aims to address the barriers that are faced by Australians with disability and promote social inclusion.

The Strategy will be an important mechanism in ensuring the principles underpinning the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, recently ratified by the government, are integrated into policies and programs affecting people with disability, their families and carers.

National Disability Strategy discussion paper

To ensure the Strategy is practical and effective, the Australian Government in consultation with state and territory governments, has developed a discussion paper to facilitate public discussion.

The discussion paper was launched by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services on Friday 17 October 2008.

The discussion paper is available in accessible formats. Please contact us on the phone number below if you require another version of this document.

Public consultation

A series of public consultations were held across Australia in October and November, to allow all Australians the opportunity to give input and feedback on the direction of the Strategy.

Over 2,500 people attended capital city forums and focus groups in regional and remote areas. There have been over 700 submissions received to date

What happens next?

The outcomes of the consultations and key points from submissions will be summarised in a feedback report in early 2009.

The National Disability Strategy will be released in mid 2009.

Contact us

For further information on the Strategy please contact us by: