Labor now due to deliver
25/03/2014
Following Independent Member for Frome Geoff Brock’s announcement that he will support Labor to form Government, Dignity for Disability is calling on Premier Jay Weatherill to follow through on election commitments.
As part of the election campaign, Labor made several announcements of keen interest to Dignity for Disability’s constituency – including promises to redress barriers to justice, improved housing options for people with disabilities and financial support for Indigenous cultural development in the APY Lands.
“As Labor enters its fourth term, the Premier and his team must stay true to their campaign rhetoric of a better quality of life for all,” said Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent. “Disability must be an essential consideration across all departments when decisions are made. Leadership on cultural change has to start with the Premier so that no policy or directive is issued without reference to people with disabilities.”
With this broad change in approach heading the priority list, Dignity for Disability is asking the new elected Government to retain focus on four key policy areas.
“The National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out across the country, and the State Government must invest considerable resources and work hand-in-hand with the Abbott Federal Government to make sure this revolution in disability service delivery is a success,” said Ms Vincent.
“Secondly, Premier Weatherill needs to keep momentum up on planned changes to the justice system that will make it more inclusive of people with disabilities who are currently left out by discriminatory procedures and legislation.
“Indigenous issues, especially the delivery of basic services in a culturally appropriate manner to the APY Lands must also form a central part of the Government’s approach if it is to create a more equitable society.
“Finally, mental health support must not be allowed to continue to lurch from crisis to crisis. A renewed focus on delivering treatment in the community should be developed through a primary health care model. We need more investment in areas where people are currently neglected, such as rural and regional SA.
“It’s time for Labor to deliver, on these and other policy directions that will improve the lives of people with disabilities.”
