The Victorian Government has released the Absolutely everyone: state disability plan 2017–2020. The plan sets out the actions the government will take to drive positive change and encompasses education and learning pathways, employment opportunities and business ownership and innovation.
“We know that good intentions alone are not enough to achieve equality. The most successful initiatives are those that apply challenging targets, backed by supportive actions and incentives,” Minister for Disability and Ageing, Martin Foley said.
“Government has a big role to play, as both a major employer and purchaser of goods and services. All of us can and must do more to address the barriers and discrimination that exist,” the minister said. “Like any other Victorian, people with disability should expect to be active participants in our economy. Unfortunately, for many, this is not the case. We have seen very little advancement over the past 20 years, particularly in relation to employment. Employment rates in both the public and private sectors remain static and well below those of people without disability.
“Making progress is a priority, especially when we think about the opportunities afforded to people with disability and their carers by the NDIS, whether this is as workers, employers, entrepreneurs, investors or consumers. Emerging opportunities will not be realised without significant effort from businesses big and small, and all levels of government.”
The Victorian Government is committed to giving people with disability every opportunity to reach their potential, and to have a fair chance to work, study and make their way in business, he said.
The plan takes a broad view of economic participation, rather than focusing solely on access to jobs. It encompasses the range of ways people contribute to and participate in the economic life of their community, through employment, self-employment, career progression, enterprise development, education and training, and as consumers.
Through a whole-of-government focus, the plan sets out 21 practical actions to increase the economic participation of Victorians with disability that will be built on over time. The first public Absolutely everyone report will be tabled in parliament in 2018, with progress against the indicators and measures, including those related to economic participation, reported annually.
To read the full plan visit: www.statedisabilityplan.vic.gov.au