The Australian Greens have announced today that they would establish a Minister for Disability within the Federal Cabinet, and establish an Office for Disability and a Department of Disability.
The Department of Disability would be responsible for coordinating Federal disability services and would take responsibility for implementing the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission.
Lines As put by Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Disability
"From the cost of housing to groceries to transport and healthcare - disabled people, our families, and support workers are being pushed to the brink right now. We need cross-government action to urgently improve the lives of disabled people across the
country.
"The creation of a Cabinet Minister for Disability and the establishment of a Department of Disability would ensure it is clear who is responsible for urgently improving the lives of disabled people in this country.
"In Australia, we have a Federal Minister for Women, a Minister for Young People, but no Federal Minister for Disabled People. States and Territories have a Minister for Disability, but the major parties have refused to create a Federal Government Ministry.
"Around 1 in 6 people in Australia identify as disabled. These millions of Australians deserve to have a Federal Government Minister responsible for disability issues. This role would be responsible for the NDIS, and the Quality and Safeguard Commission
and would ensure there are significant reforms undertaken across government including in housing, transport, healthcare and education.
"We know there's much work to do to improve the lives of disabled people. Disabled people continue to be excluded, exploited and neglected.
"Something has to change, we need better leadership, ideally this role should be held by someone with lived experience of disability."
