Federal Election 2010: Coalition policy on people with disabilities and carers

The Coalition yesterday (18th August) released its PLAN FOR REAL ACTION ON DISABILITIES AND CARERS.

"Our plan for real action includes:

1. A commitment to seriously examine the Productivity Commission recommendations in relation to a National Disability Insurance Scheme

2. An investment of $314 million for an Education Card worth up to $20,000 to assist up to 6,000 Australian students with a disability

3. An increase in the Education Tax Rebate and an expansion of eligible expenses to include education costs for children with disabilities

4. The appointment of an independent Commonwealth Disability and Carer Ombudsman to give Australians with a disability and carers a real, independent voice within government

5. A comprehensive audit conducted by the new Disability and Carer Ombudsman of Australia’s supported accommodation

6. $2.2 million to establish a new school for blind and vision impaired students in Victoria and an assessment of the need for additional special schools across Australia that cater for students with particular disabilities

7. $1 million to provide digital playback devices and improved access to digital content in public libraries

8. $500,000 to fast-track technology to make cinemas more accessible

9. $1 million to promote voluntary guidelines for accessible housing for older Australians and Australians with a disability

10. A Disability Enterprises (ADE) Advocate

11. $3 million for a new Young Carer Scholarship Programme

12. Maintenance of income support for carers

Click here for  Senator Mitch Fifield's media release

Click here to download the policy document (2 Mb .pdf)