Working towards equality
THIS year the theme for International Day of People with Disability is empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.
The Hodgman Government is committed to working in close partnership with people living with disability, their families, carers, disability providers and the wider community, to build a more equitable, inclusive and accessible state that empowers all Tasmanians.
The Government is a strong supporter of the NDIS — it is a once-in-a-lifetime reform that will help to ensure a more equal and inclusive Tasmania, and we are determined to get it right.
We are providing $878 million over the next four years for the NDIS, and as a Government we will continue to advocate with the National Disability Insurance Agency, as well as with the Disability Reform Council, for the best possible outcomes for Tasmanian participants, their families, carers and providers.
In addition to the NDIS, Accessible Island: Tasmania’s Disability Framework for Action 2018-2021 sets out further what the Tasmanian Government will do to help people with disability to be included and empowered to participate equally in all aspects of our community life over the next four years.
Over the next three years, we are also providing an extra $20 million for more inclusive disability housing, as well as an additional $600,000 to National Disability Services to assist service providers under the NDIS.
The Government is also investing in early diagnostic services, by providing $300,000 for the early detection and diagnosis of autism, along with $150,000 for the Autism Co-operative Research Centre to ensure Tasmania stays at the forefront of autism research. There is also an extra $150,000 for more inclusive disability sports.
On this significant day, I want to thank all Tasmanians for the part they play in making Tasmania such a great place for people living with disability to live. Together, we can look forward to continued improvements, more success stories and a more inclusive, empowered and equal Tasmania.
— JACQUIE PETRUSMA, MINISTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT