Election 2013 - Call to Parties

Today Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) is launching its position
statement for the 2013 federal election. The Election 2013 - Call to Parties
is based on discussions with DANA members and friends throughout Australia
over more than six months and reflects key issues at a time of both great
expectation and great uncertainty in the disability sector.

Below is a brief overview of the DANA Election 2013 - Call to Parties,
including links to more detailed statements on the political commitments we
believe are required.

DANA is pleased that all major parties have expressed their commitment to
fully funding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This is an
important step towards meeting Australia's obligations under the UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, as the
National Disability Strategy recognises, it is not the only step necessary.
Further action is needed to protect the rights of Australians with
disabilities.

If the NDIS is to create a genuine entitlement to disability supports for
all eligible participants as intended, advocacy support and representation
must be available from adequately resourced, independent advocacy
organisations, effectively represented on the national stage.

DANA calls on all political parties and candidates to:

Ensure access to independent advocacy for people with disabilities
<http://dana.org.au/submissions-publications/policy-statements/election-2013
-call-to-parties/independentadvocacy/>

Strengthen protections for individuals in the NDIS
<http://dana.org.au/submissions-publications/policy-statements/election-2013
-call-to-parties/ndis-protections/>

Take action to implement the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020
<http://dana.org.au/submissions-publications/policy-statements/election-2013
-call-to-parties/action-on-strategy/>

You can read the full election statement on the DANA website:
http://dana.org.au/submissions-publications/policy-statements/election-2013-
call-to-parties/