A new state disability plan released by the Andrews Labor Government will drive change towards a fairer community supporting every Victorian to fully participate in all areas of life.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines today launched Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan 2022-2026, setting the agenda for the Government’s approach to building a more inclusive and accessible community for the more than 1.1 million Victorians with disability.
Victorians with disability will be consulted on creating a new Disability Inclusion Act, which will provide a modern and stronger framework to drive change across government.
The Government will also consult on establishing an Australian-first Commissioner for Disability Inclusion to drive improvements in practice in the public sector and promote inclusion across Victoria.
Amendments to the Disability Act 2006 will be madeto increase residential protections for Victorians in disability accommodation, and to strengthen quality and safeguards in services for people with disability.
An exposure draft of the Disability Inclusion Bill will be released later this year to give Victorians the opportunity to shape these important reforms. Co-design with people with disability will be at the heart of this work.
The Government has worked closely with the disability sector and advocates to develop the plan, which will drive systemic reform in key areas, including:
Ensuring people with disability are at the table in designing policies, services and programs Working with Aboriginal Victorians with disability and listening to what works best for them Recognising and addressing forms of structural discrimination people with disability face Building accessibility into everything government does
Inclusive Victoria:State Disability Plan 2022–2026 is available in accessible formats, including easy read, braille, audio and Auslan at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines
“Victorians with disability continue to face barriers to fully participating in society – these reforms will help make Victoria a more inclusive and accessible place.”
“We will continue working with the community to ensure Victorians with disability can reach their full potential.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Disability Advisory Council Chair Dr George Taleporos
"We must do everything possible to support people with disability to fully participate in all aspects of our community.”
“People with disability want to live in an inclusive, accessible, and safe Victoria that upholds our rights and maximises opportunities to control our lives. The state disability plan will play an important role in moving us toward this important goal."
Reviewed 13 March 2022