The new Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services

One of the main attractions at this years DPV conference was the Honourable Bill Shorten, the new Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s services, who came to explain the Labor governments future initiatives for the disability sector.

On the Thursday that he addressed the conference, it had been 100 days since the Rudd government had been elected, and 90 day since he was given the position as Parliamentary Secretary.

And thus Mr Shorten was explaining his impressions since then, including the stark examples of unfair and uneven treatment that he has witnessed since being in this new position.

“Impairment is a fact of life,” he said, “[It] is part of the human condition; it is other people that make them different.”

He said he understands that people with disabilities are often classed as second-class citizens, and are often patronised in the workplace, where people will speak really loudly to them, and outsiders assume they are patients or clients, not an employee.

“In the wake of a new government, hopefully we can make changes to this now,” he said.

There is also evidence to say that people with disabilities earn half of what people without disabilities do, and don’t have the same access to education, he said.

“We’re going to do plenty about it,” he said, “We are committed to social inclusions so that all Australians have equal opportunity.”

Contrary to what the last federal government did, Mr Shorten also explained that the Rudd government would be working with state governments instead of against them.

He said his party would try to get their programs to fit the individuals, not the other way around.

“It is wrong to treat people with a disability any different and deny them opportunities,” said the recently enlightened government official.

He said the law can only go so far in giving people with a disability the rights they deserve, saying the wider community has an obligation to speak out and fight for equality.

Shorten showed his appreciation to those working in the disability sector, pointing out that in an ageing population, the role of the carer will only become more important.

“In the caring professions there has been a systematic under-appreciation of the work that you do. You in this contribute your physical energy, intellect and most importantly, your emotional energy to your work,” he said.

Labor has committed itself to a Disability strategic plan, he said.

“I am confident when we talk about social inclusion, empowerment and equal treatment. Hopefully by this time next year we can agree that some progress has been made.”

Following his speech, Mr Shorten took questions from the audience three at a time and answering them all at once, and then presented DPV’s Disability Professional of the Year and Emerging Leader of the Year awards.

After his public appearance Mr Shorten the conference was also important for him, to hear what people working in the disability sector have to say.

“The people here are the ones who help empower those with disabilities, so I think it’s crucial to hear their observations, I’m respectful of the work people do, and talking to people that work in the industry is fundamental in understand what we need to do.”

“It’s always interesting to hear how people are thinking, it’s easy to form judgements, we all absorb information by various means, from television to reading, but one of the good ways to do it is through conversation, and it’s interesting to hear what people think is important,” he said.

“Clearly the future workforce was an issue which was very clearly articulated today by people, who want to know there is a plan about disabilities; they want to know that disabilities are a priority. And listening to award winners, they’re passionate, they’re intelligent, they’re excited by their challenges, and they know it’s hard work. For me it was interesting to hear the level of optimism in the room.”