Australia Talks

One in five Australians live with a disability of some kind. Currently, a range of disability reviews and projects are underway.

Federal and state governments have agreed on a cooperative overhaul of the Commonwealth State Territories Disability Agreement -- re-negotiating the funding of services for disabled people. The funding should be increased by 1.9 billion dollars. But is that enough and will it end the blame game between the public agencies?

A new National Disability Strategy of 7.7 million dollars over four years is intended to tackle the complex needs of disabled people and their carers. Is it a positive development for those affected?

What services do disabled people need and how can we provide them?

Guests

Cory Bernardi, Liberal Senator for South Australia, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Community Services

Mark Pattison, Executive Director National Council on Intellectual Disability

Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services

Stepan Kerkyasharian, President NSW Anti-Discrimination Board

Further Information

Link to National Disability Services

Link to the Commonwealth Disability Strategy of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Link to National Peak Disability Bodies

Link to reports and statistics on disability services

Link to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Link to National CSTDA Community Alliance

Link to Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement

Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment

Link to Sydney Film Festival with films which are accessible for people with a disabiltiy

Link to Disability WORKS Australia

Link to Disability Information and Resource Centre

Link to the exhibition by artists with disabilities "Welcome to this World"

Presenter

Paul Barclay

Story Researcher and Producer

Karin Zsivanovits