Disability Discrimination Commissioner attends Disability Network Forum meeting

This week, Australia’s Discrimination Commissioner, Alastair McEwin attended the NSW Disability Network Forum chaired by NCOSS to discuss the five priorities of his term. The priorities are:

• Employment
• Education
• Housing
• The criminal justice system
• Implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Commissioner McEwin is currently undertaking a round of national and regional consultations to shape these priorities. More information and updates on the consultation process can be found here.

During the consultations, violence against people with disability (particularly women and children) has emerged as another key issue requiring attention.

The Commissioner acknowledged the important role of advocacy – including systemic advocacy – in implementing his priorities. He highlighted that while the NDIS is a highly significant and welcome reform, it should not be regarded as a ‘fix all’, all Governments need to take action to implement the National Disability Strategy.

We look forward to working with Commissioner McEwin to encourage a fairer society for people with disability.