Joint Committee on Disability to discuss Australian Government’s experience of disability service provision

The meeting will be broadcast live from Committee Room 4 at 9:45am.

The UNCRPD is a landmark Convention which simply seeks to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the same human rights as everyone else. This calls for a step-change across all sectors of society from a medial model of disability to a social and rights-based model of care, which ensures the inclusion of all groups of people with disabilities across our communities.

The following representatives are due to address the meeting:

• National Advocacy Service, Louise Loughlin, National Manager & Joanne Condon, Southern Regional Manager
• Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme , Peter Broadhead, Group Manager, Department of Social Services
• Dr. Simon Walsh
• Fiona Walsh
• Aoife O'Toole

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said:

“We look forward to resuming our discussion on aligning Disability Services with the UNCRPD and considering the future system and innovation of Service provision with stakeholders tomorrow.

“Tomorrow we will hear from Peter Broadhead who will discuss how disability services are managed in Australia and what learning the Committee can take from them and apply to the future of disability services in Ireland.”

“The Australian Government developed new models that are in accord with their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Their Government’s approach to addressing disability is framed through Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, a ten year plan that addresses issues people with disability said need to improve in order to achieve the vision for an inclusive society that ensures people with disability can fulfil their potential, as equal members of the community.”

“The Committee looks forward to hearing their insights and how it can inform a new approach to disability services in Ireland.”