Victorians are being called on to help shape a safer, fairer, more inclusive state for the more than 1 million people in our community who live with disabilities.
The Victorian Government has published the Review of the Disability Act 2006 consultation paper online following public consultations held earlier in the year and work by the Disability Act Review Advisory Group.
Feedback from the public will continue to help guide Victoria’s future Disability Act – which will build on the work of the current Disability Act as an important source of rights and protections for people with disability.
In the first stage of the review, technical changes were made to the Act to facilitate the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The second stage of the review will consider further changes needed in response to the NDIS and in promoting inclusion and equality.
Feedback from the community will help ensure the Disability Act appropriately reflects Victoria’s role post-NDIS transition and continues to promote and protect the rights of people with disability, supports their needs and aspirations, and advances their inclusion and participation on an equal basis with others.
The consultation paper outlines key issues and considerations for several important areas covered by the Disability Act, including provisions for promoting inclusion, safeguarding, forensic disability services, and the frameworks for compulsory treatment and restrictive practices.
Consultation runs for four weeks until 20 October 2021. For more information and to have your say, visit engage.vic.gov.au/disability-act.
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“We know that people with disability are still more likely to experience discrimination and encounter barriers in their everyday life. This needs to change. Inclusion is everyone’s business.”
“The voices, experiences, and aspirations of Victorians with disability are essential to ensuring the Disability Act complements the NDIS as we keep building a safer, fairer, more inclusive state.”
As stated by Chair of the Disability Act Review Advisory Group Graeme Innes AM
“There is more to be done to promote disability equality and inclusion, particularly through creating enabling environments and calling out ableism.”
“Transformational change and breaking down barriers require a concerted effort from all Victorians.”
As stated by Chair of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council Dr George Taleporos
“Disability inclusion is about transforming our society and a vision for a barrier-free Victoria.”
“I encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation for the Disability Act review.”
