As the end of The Federal Election campaign draws closer, First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) is calling on all parties to commit to 9 Key Actions which aims to create genuine systemic change for Australia’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens.
“One critical measure of a civil society is how the rights of those who experience discrimination are protected…. By any measure First Nations people with disability are amongst the most disadvantaged of all Australians yet their voices remain unheard throughout this election campaign.” Says FPDN CEO, Damian Griffis.
FPDNs 9 Key Actions for government to consider:
- Long-Term Investment in FPDN
Secure 5-year funding for FPDN’s national leadership, policy, education, and advocacy, which aligns with other existing long-term funding models and enabling FPDN to provide much needed secretariat support to the First Nations Disability Forum. - Reform the NDIS for First Nations People
Reform of the NDIS must ensure fair access, funding equity, cultural safety, and co-design while investing in community-led education about NDIS rights. - Jobs for Mob with Disability and Remote Workforce
The Commonwealth must embed jobs targets across APS and funded programs and include remote workforce models and integrated care pathways for First Nations people with a disability. The First Nations Disability Forum and parties to the Disability Sector Strengthening Plan (DSSP) should collaborate to develop a strategy for First Nations local workforces in remote communities. - First Nations Disability Strategy
A specific First Nations Disability strategy to be developed, that aligns First Nations perspectives and implementation of Australia’s Disability Strategy and the Closing the Gap Agreement. - Closing the Gap: Disability
Support and funding for the Closing the Gap Agreement, ensuring sector strengthening plans receive ongoing funding. Disability as a cross-cutting outcome requires additional and long-term investment to begin to make a difference in the lives of mob with disabilities. - First Nations Disability Forum and DRC Recommendations
Full implementation of the Disability Royal Commission Recommendations, in particular Recommendation 9.10 First Nations Disability Forum in full. - Dedicated NDAP Stream
Create a resourced, targeted advocacy stream under NDAP for First Nations people with disability. Fund Indigenous-led advocates in prisons and justice spaces. - Justice Reform and Prison Profit
The Commonwealth must lead national policy reform for Indigenous people with disability in prison. FPDN calls for the end profit-driven private prisons and call for public accountability under human rights frameworks. - Support FPDN as Global Convenor
Australia must show global leadership in Indigenous disability rights by resourcing FPDN to lead the Global Network of Indigenous Peoples with Disability.
“We call on all political parties and independents and whoever is to form government to consider these 9 Key Actions and put First Peoples disability on the Election Agenda.” Adds Mr Griffis.
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