Online public consultation forums for the Victorian State Disability Plan 2021-25 will begin on March 31.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan today announced that consultations with people with disability, advocacy groups and service providers will resume later this month after being paused throughout 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister will attend the first session on March 31 alongside members of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council.

The Andrews Labor Government is also currently reviewing the Disability Act (2006), which ensures people with disability cannot be discriminated against or treated unfairly because of their disability. Feedback is wanted from the public to make sure the law continues to protect the rights of people with disability, supports their needs and aspirations, promotes and protects rights, and advances inclusion and participation.

People with disability are invited to participate in a series of online forums taking place over March and April 2021.

These forums will cover important issues impacting on the lives of people with disability including COVID-19 response and recovery, the Disability Act (2006), and access to community life.

The State Disability Plan is a whole-of-government plan which sets out our priorities and actions over the next five years to create a more inclusive and accessible Victoria developed in partnership with Victorians with disability. The plan will build on the progress of Absolutely everyone: State disability plan 2017–2020 but also recognises there is a lot more to do for over one million Victorians with disability.

There will also be hosting a dedicated forum for people from rural and regional communities.

For more information on these forums or to register to attend, you can visit the statedisabilityplan.vic.gov.au/victorian-state-disability-plan-2021-2024-consultation or call the Office for Disability on 1300 880 043.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan

“We want the ideas and inputs of Victorians on how we can build a more inclusive community.”

“These consultations are crucial to ensure the state disability plan and Disability Act review incorporate the ideas and experiences of people with disability.”