06 May 2016
Media Release: Australian Cross Disability Alliance Welcomes New Commissioners
The Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) congratulates the Attorney General, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC for the appointment of three new Commissioners to the Australian Human Rights Commission. We particularly welcome the reinstatement of a dedicated Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
ACDA looks forward to working with all three new Commissioners to progress the rights of people with disability:
- Mr Alistair McEwin as Disability Discrimination Commissioner
- The Hon Dr Kay Patterson as Age Discrimination Commissioner
- Mr Edward Santow as Human Rights Commissioner
ACDA spokespeople made the following comments regarding these announcements:
Mr Suresh Rajan, President of the National Disability Ethnic Alliance (NEDA) said, “We applaud this announcement at a time when the national disability landscape is undergoing such significant change with the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and when people with disability are under increasing pressure to find and keep work. A dedicated Disability Discrimination Commissioner is critical to identify and address systemic disability discrimination and to promote public dialogue on issues and concerns for people with disability.”
Ms Gayle Rankine, Chairperson of First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) said, “Addressing violence against people with disability, removing barriers to accessing justice, and improving social and economic inclusion by addressing discrimination in transport, housing, education, employment and health are crucial issues requiring coordinated high-level national leadership.”
Mr Craig Wallace, President of People with Disability Australia (PWDA) said, “We particularly congratulate Mr Alistair McEwan, who is well known to us at PWDA as a former CEO of our organisation. Alastair is a great choice, and a strong advocate for the rights of people with disability. We very much look forward to working with all three new Commissioners in progressing the human rights of all people with disability.”
Media Contact
Craig Wallace 0413 135 731
President, People with Disability Australia (PWDA)