Disability Justice Plan

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (14:35): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney-General inform the house about the Disability Justice Plan?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for her question, and, yes, I can inform the house about the Disability Justice Plan. On 10 June I attended the Julia Farr Association to launch the final roll-out of the Disability Justice Plan. This plan increases access to justice for people with disabilities by addressing the particular challenges faced by people with disabilities when dealing with the justice system.

This government has allocated $3.2 million to implement these reforms. The Disability Justice Plan was developed in close consultation with the community. The vision of the Disability Justice Plan is to do the following things: to uphold, protect and promote the rights of people with a disability; to support vulnerable victims and witnesses in the giving of evidence; and to support people with disability who are accused or convicted of criminal offences.

As the plan is implemented we will see specialist training given to police officers so that they are better equipped to deal with people with a disability. We know that the more people have to repeat their story the more frustrated they become by the process. This training will ensure that the best evidence is obtained as early as possible. The plan will also see the introduction of a carers' offence, addressing the sexual abuse of persons with cognitive impairment by their carers.

Among the funds committed is $300,000 for the Legal Services Commission to deliver a community awareness and information program. This government has a proud history of supporting people with a disability, and the Disability Justice Plan represents that continued support. We will certainly ensure the effective implementation of the plan.