The Disability Minister’s Advisory Council met for their second quarterly meeting on Wednesday 7 June 2023. Along with meeting with the Minister, the Council met with the Chair and SA Representative of the Australia’s Disability Strategy Advisory Council, Dr Ben Gauntlett and Ms Natalie Wade respectively.
Dr Ben Gauntlett and Ms Natalie Wade provided information on the functions and objectives of the ADS Advisory Council and an update on work to implement Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31, to achieve real change for Australians with disability.
The Minister provided the Council with an update on progress to implement recommended amendments to the Disability Inclusion Act 2018. The Council advised the Minister on the importance of aligning language used in legislation relating to disability, impairment and barriers with United Nations definitions, where applicable, and their interest in providing advice to legislative drafters on these matters.
The Council discussed how they would like to operate to develop informed advice to the Minister and build the State’s capacity to develop legislation and policy that responds to the lived experience and needs of people with disability. As a result of this discussion, the Council elected member Mr Sisaleo Philavong as Chair.
The Council meets next in September 2023.