Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021 – 2031: New Targeted Action Plans announced covering rights and inclusion.
Australia’s commitment to a more inclusive society has been reaffirmed with the launch of the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031. This collaborative effort, involving the Federal Government, all state and territory governments, and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), signals a renewed focus on breaking down barriers and ensuring equal participation for people with disability.
“This updated Strategy represents a significant step forward in our collective journey towards a truly inclusive Australia,” stated a government spokesperson. “It reflects our shared commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all people with disability.”
The refresh comes in response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, with governments accepting the recommendation to review the existing strategy. Central to this review process were the voices of people with disability, representative organisations, and the Strategy’s Advisory Council. Their invaluable insights have shaped the updated document, ensuring it addresses the real-life experiences and priorities of the disability community.
“The contributions of people with lived experience have been absolutely crucial in shaping this updated Strategy,” a representative from a disability advocacy group commented. “Their perspectives have ensured that the Strategy reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it serves.”
The Strategy’s core vision remains focused on creating accessible and inclusive communities where people with disability can participate on an equal footing. To achieve this, governments have introduced new Targeted Action Plans (TAPs) focusing on key areas identified by the disability community: Community Attitudes, Safety, Rights and Justice, and Inclusive Homes and Communities. These TAPs will provide a more intensive approach to addressing these critical issues.
“These Targeted Action Plans are designed to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of people with disability,” explained a government official. “They represent a focused effort to address the specific challenges identified by the community and drive meaningful change.”
Beyond the TAPs, each state and territory, along with many local governments, are implementing their own disability plans, aligning with the national Strategy’s overarching goals. This multi-layered approach ensures that the principles of inclusion are embedded at all levels of government.
The collaborative spirit extends beyond government, with a commitment to ongoing engagement with the disability community, employers, unions, non-government organisations, and the broader public. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the voices, experiences, and lived expertise of people with disability are at the heart of all future reforms.
“We recognise that achieving true inclusion requires a collaborative effort,” a representative from ALGA stated. “Local governments are committed to working alongside the disability community and other stakeholders to create truly inclusive communities at the local level.”
The updated Strategy is accompanied by a suite of supporting resources, including a 10-year milestone roadmap, a revised Data Improvement Plan, a guide to applying the Strategy, educational videos explaining the review process and changes, and an accessible factsheet summarising the updates. These resources are designed to ensure clarity and accessibility for all stakeholders. The Strategy, signed by the Prime Minister, all First Ministers, and the President of ALGA, serves as the national framework, underpinned by the social model of disability, for improving the lives of people with disability in Australia over the next decade.
Also read: Government invests in disability support and capacity building
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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