Disabilities
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring people with disabilities, and their families and carers, are recognised and encouraged to participate in the community.
News
- On 23 April 2008 the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, announced the establishment of the Disability Investment Group to explore innovative funding ideas for the private sector that will help people with disability and their families' access greater support and plan for the future.
- Expression of Interest - The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) invites eligible services to submit their Expression of Interest to receive funding from the Extra Support for Children with Disability Program Outside School Hours Care ('the Program'), to support teenagers (aged 12-18 years) with disability.
- The Extra Support for Children with Disability Program – Outside School Hours Care Expression of Interest is now closed. Applicants will be sent a letter to confirm receipt of their application.
- 2008-09 National Disability Conference Funding Program - Applications for funding under the 2008-09 National Disability Conference Funding Program are now closed. Reference information is available on the National Disability Conference Funding Program page.
- From 20 March 2008, people who receive Disability Support Pension will benefit from increased and more regular financial support. Utilities Allowance will be extended to all Disability Support Pension recipients regardless of age. Utilities Allowance will be increased to $500 a year for singles or couples combined and will be paid in $125 quarterly payments.
- On 3 October 2007, the then Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard MP, announced details of the Australian Government's autism package, Helping children with autism, delivering $190.7 million in new funding over five years.
FaHCSIA provide services and assistance that help people with disabilities to participate actively in community and economic life, access a responsive and sustainable safety net, and develop their capabilities.
- Policy
Policy documents, agreements and strategies relating to people with disabilities, and their families and carers.
- Payments
Information on income support payments for people with disabilities, and their families and carers.
- Employment
Information on disability employment services, case based funding, quality assurance and continuous improvement.
- Representation and Rights
Information on disability peak bodies and organisations that provide a voice for people with disabilities, and their families and carers.
- Access
Information on a range of access programs for people with a disability.
- Carers
Information on carer programs, payments and contacts.
- Mental Health
Information on the range of mental health programmes for people affected by mental illness.