News
Australians will go to the polls on Saturday May 3rd. But what does an election mean for people with disability and what can they expect from the two major parties?
In the wake of the recent Federal Budget, many within the disability community are losing faith in the Government, and its commitment to improving the lives of those living with disability.
In a statement released by People with Disability Australia (PWDA), it criticised both Labor and the Liberal Party:
People with disability were barely acknowledged in the Federal Budget – and in tonight’s Opposition Budget Reply, we weren’t mentioned at all
PWDA Statement
The advocacy organisation is concerned that a lack of action and commitment by both major parties could spell disaster for the disability community, as people with disability remain invisible in each major party’s electoral pledges.
Powerd Media spoke with Greens Senator Jordan Steele-John, who echoed PWDA’s concerns.
As we head towards the federal election…so many people in the Australian community are deeply unhappy with both the Labour and Liberal parties
Jordan Steele-John
“We have heard over the last three years from Australia's disability community, that they are sick and tired of being passed from pillar to post,” Mr Steele-John said.
River Night is a disability advocate based in Brisbane. He explains the 5.5 million Australians living with disability are only one part of a larger number of voters who exist within the disability sector.
“Families, friends, professionals, providers and the rest of Australia…need to hear the voices of our elected representatives before the upcoming election outlining exactly what they are doing to fix this mess,” Mr Knight says.
PWDA says the Coalition’s plans to slash 41,000 jobs from the public sector will also threaten the implementation of NDIS reforms and the rollout of foundational supports.
President of People with Disability Australia, Trinity Ford, says neither major party has produced a roadmap for change or a national plan to ensure the rights and safety of people with disability are embedded within all policies and portfolios.
People with disability will not accept being sidelined, especially when what’s on the table threatens to pull apart the essential services we rely on to survive
Trinity Ford
Mr Knight agrees, explaining he has had enough of politicians sidestepping issues involving the NDIS.
“If our elected leaders are shying away from…NDIS…then let this be a wake-up call…your silence is deafening,” Mr Knight says.