National Disability Strategy
The National Disability Strategy sets out a ten year national plan for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development. This new approach will assist in addressing the challenges faced by people with disability, both now and into the future.
The Commonwealth, State and Territory and Local Governments have developed the Strategy in partnership under the auspices of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
The Strategy is the result of a large nation-wide public consultation process, involving more than 2,500 people and was formally endorsed by COAG on 13 February 2011.
The Strategy is a ten year plan that sets out six priority areas for action to improve the lives of people with disabilities, their families and carers. These are:
- Inclusive and accessible communities—the physical environment including public transport; parks, buildings and housing; digital information and communications technologies; civic life including social, sporting, recreational and cultural life.
- Rights protection, justice and legislation—statutory protections such as anti-discrimination measures, complaints mechanisms, advocacy, the electoral and justice systems.
- Economic security—jobs, business opportunities, financial independence, adequate income support for those not able to work, and housing.
- Personal and community support—inclusion and participation in the community, person-centred care and support provided by specialist disability services and mainstream services; informal care and support.
- Learning and skills—early childhood education and care, schools, further education, vocational education; transitions from education to employment; life-long learning.
- Health and wellbeing—health services, health promotion and the interaction between health and disability systems; wellbeing and enjoyment of life.
The National Disability Strategy will guide public policy across governments and aims to bring about change in all mainstream services and programs as well as community infrastructure. It is the first time the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have agreed to such a wide ranging set of directions for disability.
Copies of the National Disability Strategy, including accessible formats, are available at the below links:
The National Disability Strategy (the Strategy) sets out a ten year national plan for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers.
The National Disability Strategy is also available on the COAG website.
A copy of the National Disability Strategy standard, Easy English, Braille, audio CD and summary documents may be requested by:
Implementation of the Strategy
In the first year of the Strategy, the focus will be on building the foundation for implementation which will involve engaging mainstream policy areas identified in the Strategy. Areas for future action will be prioritised in collaboration with people with disability and other key stakeholders through the mechanisms below. The first year report of the Strategy will set out the implementation plan, including timelines that take into account the areas of greatest need within each jurisdiction.
Announcements
The Australian Government has committed $11 million in 2010-11 to an accessibility package of initiatives to support people with disability and their carers participate in community life as part of the new National Disability Strategy.
For further information about these initiatives, please visit the National Disability Strategy Initiatives page.
Background to the Strategy
The Strategy was both a 2007 election commitment and a key element of the Labor Government’s 2010 election platform. The development of the Strategy included the establishment of the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, an initial public consultation process and ongoing engagement with community stakeholders. The Strategy draws on the findings of extensive consultation conducted in 2008-09.
Discussion paper for the National Disability Strategy
Public consultation
Roundtables
Shut Out Report
The Evidence base
The Evidence Base paper is a companion document to the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020. It contributes and adds to the strong evidence base that has informed and is contained in the Strategy, and draws on a wide range of statistical and information sources.
National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 Evidence Base
Inquiry into a long term care and support scheme
As part of the National Disability Strategy, the Commonwealth Government has commissioned an Inquiry into a long-term care and support scheme for people with disability in Australia.
On 10 August 2011 the Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, released the Productivity Commission's final report into care and support for people with disability.
The Inquiry Report is available via the Productivity Commission website.
Inquiry into a long term care and support scheme
Independent Panel
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