New strategy to promote and protect the rights of people with disability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond

The Albanese Labor Government has launched a new International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy, to drive meaningful improvements for people with disability through Australia’s international engagement, including international development and humanitarian programs.

It is the first international disability strategy released by the Australian Government in almost a decade and for the first time, includes the introduction of a performance target for disability equity in Australia’s international development program.

Australia will also provide $12 million to expand access to essential assistive technology across the Indo-Pacific, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, prostheses, and communication devices.

The Strategy focuses on five priorities:

• partnering with people with disability and the disability rights movement;
• eliminating discrimination and exclusion;
• promoting meaningful disability inclusion;
• supporting equity in humanitarian assistance and climate action; and
• strengthening evidence on effective disability equity practices.

This will see improvements for people with disability through Australia’s support for the region, which in turn will contribute to economic growth, sustainable development, and social cohesion.

The Strategy’s release comes ahead of the United Nations International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) marked on 3 December each year and the Strategy will be officially launched today at an event in Parliament House, Canberra to celebrate IDPwD.

International Day of People with Disability is a day to champion and promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It celebrates the contributions and achievements of people with disability and is led by people with disability.

The United Nations IDPwD theme this year is Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. Our Government’s approach to implementing the Strategy directly aligns to with this theme as it includes local leadership and decision-making as a priority.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

"Advancing equity and rights for people with disability reflects Australia’s values and helps build resilient communities, reduce poverty and foster peace.

"Through this strategy, we will continue Australia’s proud legacy of support for the rights of people with disability across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

"The Australian Government is ensuring disability equity is an essential part of our international engagement, so no one is left behind."

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, 
the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

"Globally, people with disability remain among the poorest and most marginalised.

"Australia’s new Strategy goes beyond disability inclusion to focus on equity and rights — addressing structural barriers that impact the dignity of all individuals.

"Importantly, people with disability helped to shape this strategy, through consultations with representative organisations and development partners from across our region."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:

"Australia is a proud signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and we are committed to its implementation.

"Through our Supporting Participation Program, people with disability in Australia are supported to attend international conferences hosted by the United Nations and share their perspective and experiences on the world stage to advance equity and human rights.

"This Strategy will drive progress on our commitments and complements Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 – our national policy framework to drive action at all levels of government to improve the lives of people with disability."