THE HON. MARK DREYFUS QC, MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
THE HON JENNY MACKLIN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES & PAYMENTS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DISABILITY REFORM
MEMBER FOR JAGAJAGA
AUSTRALIA NEEDS A FULL-TIME DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION COMMISSIONER
Labor congratulates the Hon Susan Ryan AO on her reappointment as Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
Ms Ryan is an effective advocate and we have no doubt she will continue to work hard on behalf of people with disability while also performing her role as Age Discrimination Commissioner.
However, Labor believes Australia needs a full-time Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
When the Liberals callously and gracelessly sacked the former Commissioner Graeme Innes, they silenced a powerful and passionate advocate for Australians with disability, their families and carers.
Mr Innes spent a decade at the Human Rights Commission defending the rights of people with disability and was an influential force behind the creation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
It says everything about the priorities of the Turnbull Government that they have appointed a Commissioner for wind farms, but not a full-time Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
If the Turnbull Government was truly committed to giving Australians with disability, their families and carers a proper voice, they would re-instate this dedicated position.
The rights of Australians with disability are not a part-time concern. Australia needs a full-time Disability Discrimination Commissioner again.
FRIDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2015
