Ministerial Statement

International Day Of People with Disability

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:04): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: In 1992 the United Nations proclaimed 3 December as International Day of People with Disability. The day aims to promote an understanding of disability and motivate communities to support and uphold the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disability. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the valuable contribution that South Australians with disability make to our community. It is also a chance to focus on what still needs to be done to improve the lived experience of people with disability.

The theme for 2015 is 'Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities'. The three sub-themes for this year are: making cities inclusive and accessible for all; improving disability data and statistics; and including people with invisible disability in society and development. It is often barriers in the environment that hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis rather than disability itself.

The South Australian Government is firmly committed to making a real difference to the quality of life of people with disability. I am pleased to report that significant collaborative efforts are being made in this state to improve outcomes in a range of areas. I would just like to briefly focus on some key examples. The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, through Disability SA, is introducing disability access and inclusion plans across state and local government. These plans align with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability, which are based on respect, equality and non-discrimination. They also align with the National Disability Strategy in aiming to improve outcomes not only when people come into contact with disability-specific services, but also by ensuring that mainstream services, programs and infrastructure are responsive to people's individual needs.

For some people their disability is not readily apparent. That is what is meant by people with invisible disability, one of the themes this year. Unfortunately, this means that people with an intellectual or sensory disability or acquired brain injury often face a double disadvantage. One of the more innovative measures the government has led this year has been a 90-day change project that resulted in the employment of people with intellectual disability in the public sector.

Other measures to enhance the employment of people with disability in the public sector include a better practice guide and a range of fact sheets, available from the Equal Opportunity Commission's website. As part of the South Australian Disability Justice Plan 2014-2017, the Attorney-General's Department is working with Department for Communities and Social Inclusion in developing a standard question on disability for implementation across the criminal justice system.

This morning I met with the principal community visitor, Mr Maurice Corcoran, and the staff and volunteers of the Community Visitor Scheme. The Community Visitor Scheme plays an important role in providing a voice for people with disability by going into group homes and other accommodation settings to meet and talk with the people living there. I would like to thank those volunteers who give their time to making a difference to the lives of people with disability, particularly those who have little ability or opportunity to speak up for themselves.

At lunchtime today I attended the international day celebrations at Victoria Square hosted by the Brain Injury Network SA, ParaQuad South Australia and Lifetime Support SA. I would like to acknowledge that the member for Morphett was also present. This is just a snapshot of the breadth of work happening across the state to bring about cultural change and to ensure that people with disability are able to participate in society on an equitable basis.

As many people would be aware, I am very pleased to say that the bilateral agreement between the commonwealth and the South Australian governments for the transition into the full NDIS is close to being signed. The National Disability Insurance Scheme represents an enormous transformation and will improve the lives of around 32,000 South Australians living with disability, who will have increased opportunities to live their lives and fulfil their goals and aspirations.

I would also like to bring members' attention to the fact that the NDIA October quarterly report showed that South Australia has more completed NDIS plans than any other state or territory, something that we can be very proud of.

In closing, I would like to invite members to share my vision for the future: an inclusive society that genuinely welcomes, respects and values the contributions of all citizens regardless of their abilities, age or background. Please join me in celebrating International Day of People with Disability 2015.