Consultation Call on Disability Rights
30 June 2010 at 1:13 pm
The Not for Profit sector has been urged to join a national public consultation process on Australia’s first report under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Under the Convention, Australia is required to submit a comprehensive report every four years on measures taken to promote the rights and freedoms of those with a disability.
The draft report, which will be Australia’s first since becoming a party to the Convention in August 2008, includes information about the development of the National Disability Strategy and explains our policies, programs and laws relating to the rights of persons with disabilities.
Federal Attorney-General, Robert McClelland says this report demonstrates the Government’s commitment to removing barriers and accommodating the needs of persons with disabilities to enable them to enjoy their rights on an equal basis with all Australians.
The Government says it is now seeking comment on the draft report from non-government organisations, persons with disabilities and their advocates, and other interested individuals.
The Government says it is also developing a National Disability Strategy, to be released later this year, which will outline the approach to further protecting the rights of people with a disability and encouraging their inclusion in society.
Copies of the draft report and supporting documents can be obtained at www.ag.gov.au Submissions close on 6 August 2010.
