Western Australians with disabilities are being given greater opportunities to have a direct input into Government decisions and policy.
Disability Services Minister Eric Ripper said today the representation of people with disabilities on all Government-appointed boards and committees would be increased.
Mr Ripper said the move had been approved by State Cabinet and was part of the Bureau for Disability Services 'Finding Better Ways' public information and action strategy.
A special information pamphlet 'Finding Better Ways to Have Your Say' had been produced, including an application form for people with disabilities interested in being on advisory bodies. This was an initiative of the Advisory Council to the Minister for Disability Services.
The Minister said there were currently more than 650 boards and committees which advised Government on all aspects of its activities.
"The Government currently had two official registers - the Register of Interested Persons and the Women's Register - to ensure an equitable representation on Government bodies," Mr Ripper said.
"This latest move recognises the skills and talents of people with disabilities, who represent about one-in-eight of the Western Australian population."
The Minister said the strategy was similar to approaches adopted to promote better representation of multicultural and ethnic interests.
"The Advisory Council for Disability Services already provides a direct community consultation mechanism to keep the Government informed on major issues affecting people with disabilities, their families and care-givers," he said.
"This initiative seeks to broaden the representation of Western Australians with disabilities across the wide spectrum of Government endeavour."
Mr Ripper said there was a need to continually enhance the profile of people with disabilities in the WA community.
