People with disabilities
The Disability Services Act 1986 was introduced to expand opportunities for the participation of people with disabilities. Under the Act, the Commonwealth Government provides grants for the provision of services to support people with disabilities, particularly in the labour market.
Under the Commonwealth/State Disability Agreement, the Commonwealth has responsibility for the provision of employment services for people with disabilities. Disability employment services assist people with disabilities in job search and job placement, and provide individualised on-the-job training and support. The Commonwealth also provides funds to assist the States and Territories in the planning, policy setting and management of accommodation and other related services for people with disabilities. Areas such as advocacy and research and development continue to be a responsibility of both levels of government.
In 1994 the Commonwealth Disability Strategy was adopted as a ten-year policy and planning framework for Commonwealth government departments and authorities, to improve access to their programs, services and facilities for people with disabilities. The Strategy was adopted in response to the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which makes discrimination on the grounds of disability unlawful.