Setting the Direction for the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy
On 22 December, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Employment Participation, and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, released a paper that sets the direction for the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy.
The Strategy is being developed as part of the Government’s Australian Social Inclusion Agenda which aims to address the barriers faced by people with disability, including mental illness, that make it harder for them to gain and keep work.
The proposed directions for the Strategy recognise that work connects people to the wider world, raises their living standards and gives them opportunities for a happier and more fulfilling life. It recognises that the best thing we can do for a person is connect them to the mainstream economy and society.
The paper titled, ‘Setting the Direction’, synthesises the findings of a public consultation process and outlines the approach the Australian Government will take to increase employment for people with disability.
This paper, developed as a result of consultations with more than 700 interested individuals and groups and around 300 submissions, sets the direction for a National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy to be released in 2009. The directions set out are intended to reflect closely the priorities of the community
The paper also details some important elements of the Strategy that have already been achieved and what is currently being implemented.
To get a copy of the discussion paper and to find out more, visit the Strategy web site at http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Publications/PolicyReviews/EmploymentStrategy/
Hard copies of the paper, including alternate formats, can be ordered by calling 1300 363 079 (TTY 1800 554 609), or emailing employmentstrategy@deewr.gov.au