Australia Reports on Rights of Persons with Disabilities to UN

The Federal Government is to deliver Australia’s first report under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the United Nations.

Finalising Australia’s first report coincided with the International Day of People with a Disability (December 3rd).

In a joint statement the Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas said the Government is committed to removing barriers faced by persons with disabilities and accommodating the diverse needs of people with a disability to enable them to enjoy their rights on an equal basis with all Australians.

Under the Disabilities Convention, Australia is required to periodically submit a report on measures taken to promote the rights and freedoms of those with a disability.

The statement says the report outlines some of the major initiatives taken by the Federal Government to improve the lives of people with disability.

In particular, the report acknowledges the key role the National Disability Strategy will play in helping Australia fulfil its obligations by establishing a framework to promote, protect and monitor the implementation of the Convention.

The report also provides information on a range of measures taken by governments across Australia.

The Report notes work in progress, including the Government’s decision to commission an inquiry into a national long-term care and support scheme for persons with disabilities in Australia. The inquiry is being conducted by the Productivity Commission, which will report to Government in July 2011.

Australia’s report to the United Nations on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is available at www.ag.gov.au/humanrights