COAG endorses the National Disability Strategy
Media Release Australian Human Rights Commission Monday, 14 February 2011 National Disability Strategy welcomed as commitment to change for human rights
Media Release
Australian Human Rights Commission
Monday, 14 February 2011
National Disability Strategy welcomed as commitment to change for human rights
The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the endorsement of a National Disability Strategy by the Council of Australian Governments.
Federal Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes said, “In adopting this Strategy, Australia’s governments – Commonwealth, State and Territory, and local – have acknowledged that people with disability in Australia are too often denied their basic human rights and the chance to live their life to its full potential – they are too often discriminated against, shut out and isolated.”
Commissioner Innes said Australia’s governments had now committed to changing this.
“I applaud our leaders for making this commitment,” Commissioner Innes said. “It is a commitment made in international law through the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“Perhaps even more importantly, it is a commitment by our governments to our people,” the Commissioner said. “I call on every area and level of government to work now to turn this commitment into reality.”
Commissioner Innes said people with disability and their families simply want the same rights and opportunities as other Australians.
Commissioner Innes said the Australian Human Rights Commission looks forward to working with governments and with disability organisations in the further development and implementation of the National Disability Strategy.
