Maitland Greens

MEDIA RELEASES

Greens launch disability policy

6 November 2001

The Greens disability policy was announced today by Chifley candidate David Cunningham, who has aspirations to become Australia's first MP born with a disability.

The comprehensive policy, which was framed by a disabled person, aims to make it easier for people with disabilities to participate in society.

Among other things, it calls for:

Reinstatement of a Disability Commissioner under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and HREOC funding restored to pre-1996 levels, indexed to CPI;

Adoption of the recommendations of the 1997 McCrae Report on mainstreaming children with disabilities into schools;

Independent access to all public transport, taxi services and air transport for people with sensory or mobility disabilities.

The right of disabled people to affordable and appropriate permanent housing through a social housing contract;

Expansion of respite care services and facilities;

A disability allowance to replace the pension.

Lead Senate candidate in NSW, Kerry Nettle, said: "Since gaining office in 1996, the Howard Government slashed finding to HREOC by 43 % over three years and has not helped in ending the 'out-of-sight, out-of-mind' approach to people with disabilities.

"Discrimination and institutionalisation of disabled people is entrenched in Australian society, and as people get older, they are more likely to be affected by some form of disability," Ms Nettle said.

Mr Cunningham, 22, said The Greens had the best disability policy of all the parties. "The Greens are fully committed to the rights, needs, dreams, interests and aspirations of all people with disabilities," he said.

"In the next parliament we will continue to fight for increases in funding for disability services, an end to all forms of disability discrimination, and for the establishment of a national bill of rights."

Senator Bob Brown said: "The parliament better make sure there is wheelchair access everywhere, because David is so optimistic, I can't see anything holding him back."

For more information:
Kerry Nettle 0402 436 006, 9519 0877
David Cunningham 9621 8371

					Maitland Greens

	About News Media Releases Photos Contact Links				MEDIA RELEASES Greens launch disability policy 6 November 2001 The Greens disability policy was announced today by Chifley candidate David Cunningham, who has aspirations to become Australia's first MP born with a disability. The comprehensive policy, which was framed by a disabled person, aims to make it easier for people with disabilities to participate in society. Among other things, it calls for: Reinstatement of a Disability Commissioner under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and HREOC funding restored to pre-1996 levels, indexed to CPI; Adoption of the recommendations of the 1997 McCrae Report on mainstreaming children with disabilities into schools; Independent access to all public transport, taxi services and air transport for people with sensory or mobility disabilities. The right of disabled people to affordable and appropriate permanent housing through a social housing contract; Expansion of respite care services and facilities; A disability allowance to replace the pension. Lead Senate candidate in NSW, Kerry Nettle, said: "Since gaining office in 1996, the Howard Government slashed finding to HREOC by 43 % over three years and has not helped in ending the 'out-of-sight, out-of-mind' approach to people with disabilities. "Discrimination and institutionalisation of disabled people is entrenched in Australian society, and as people get older, they are more likely to be affected by some form of disability," Ms Nettle said. Mr Cunningham, 22, said The Greens had the best disability policy of all the parties. "The Greens are fully committed to the rights, needs, dreams, interests and aspirations of all people with disabilities," he said. "In the next parliament we will continue to fight for increases in funding for disability services, an end to all forms of disability discrimination, and for the establishment of a national bill of rights." Senator Bob Brown said: "The parliament better make sure there is wheelchair access everywhere, because David is so optimistic, I can't see anything holding him back." For more information: Kerry Nettle 0402 436 006, 9519 0877 David Cunningham 9621 8371 Last updated February 4, 2003 © 2003 Maitland Greens