Disabilities
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring people with disabilities, and their families and carers, are recognised and encouraged to participate in the community.
News
- As part of the Social Inclusion Agenda, the Australian Government is developing a National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy. The Strategy will be developed in close consultation with consumers, peak bodies, employers, state and territory governments and experts.
- On 15 May 2008, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, announced that Dr Jeff Harmer, the Secretary of her Department, would lead a comprehensive review of the pension system as part of the Australian Government's broader review of Australia's Future Tax System.
- The Extra Support for Children with a Disability Program - Outside School Hours Care funds organisations to provide outside school hours and vacation care for children with disability aged 12 to 18 years.
- From 20 March 2008, people who receive Disability Support Pension will benefit from increased and more regular financial support. Utilities Allowance has been extended to all Disability Support Pension recipients regardless of age. Utilities Allowance has been increased to $500 a year for singles or couples combined and will be paid in $125 quarterly payments.
- The Australian Government will establish six autism specific child care centres around Australia to complement the Helping Children with Autism package.
- On 23 April 2008 the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, announced the establishment of the Disability Investment Group to explore innovative funding ideas for the private sector that will help people with disability and their families to access greater support and plan for the future.
- 2008—09 National Disability Conference Funding Program - Applications for funding under the 2008—09 National Disability Conference Funding Program are now closed. Reference information is available on the National Disability Conference Funding Program page.
- The Australian Government has committed $190 million over four years to deliver the Helping Children with Autism package to help address the considerable need for support and services for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
FaHCSIA provides services and assistance that help people with disabilities to participate actively in community and economic life, access a responsive and sustainable safety net, and develop their capabilities.
- Policy
Policy documents, agreements and strategies relating to people with disabilities, and their families and carers.
- Mental health
Information on the range of mental health programs for people affected by mental illness.
- Autism
Information on the Helping Children with Autism package.
- Payments
Information on income support payments for people with disabilities, and their families and carers.
- Employment (Business Services)
Information on disability business services, funding, quality assurance and other business service initiatives.
- Employment (Strategy)
Information on the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy.
- Representation and rights
Information on disability peak bodies and organisations that provide a voice for people with disabilities, and their families and carers.
- Access
Information on a range of access programs for people with a disability.
- Carers
Information on carer programs, payments and contacts.
- Commonwealth Disability Strategy
The Commonwealth Disability Strategy, introduced in 1994, assists Australian Government departments and agencies to meet their obligations under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
- Disability publications
A comprehensive list of links to publications to assist people with disability, their families and carers and organisations working in this field.