Ali France (Dickson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Saturday was World Down Syndrome Day, a day to recognise the incredible contributions of people with Down syndrome. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you the story of Eoin Gibson, who I recently had the pleasure of meeting at my office in Strathpine. Eoin's story is one of determination, possibility and a love of work. Eoin is an employment ambassador for Down's Syndrome Australia and he's an advocate for their Employment Connections program. Eoin talked to me about how much he values his job, working at Coles. He's not just an employee. He is a valued and integral member of the team, having been trained across all departments within the store.

Eoin's on full wages, as he should be, and is supported in his professional development in exactly the same way as any other employee. He has the ability to try different roles, receive ongoing training and discover what works best for him and his team. That kind of opportunity to grow, to contribute, to prosper and to be truly seen in the workplace matters enormously. Eoin believes, and I agree wholeheartedly, that everyone should have the right to work and prosper, including people with Down syndrome, and that, if we support each other, anything is possible.

For people with a disability, employment is about so much more than just a job. It is financial freedom. It is independence. It is dignity and worth. Sadly, over decades, we have not done enough to encourage and support people with a disability to get into the workforce. While in the past few years the statistics have come up a bit, we still have a lot more work to do to ensure that people who want a job can get into the workforce and can support their families and become financially independent.

A new report released today by e61 Institute reinforces just how transformative the right support can be. It found that people who have access to the NDIS and the right supports perform significantly better in the workforce than they did before receiving government funded support. NDIS participants work nearly two hours more per week within four years of entering the scheme, and earn an extra $76 per fortnight. As a result, they are less likely to rely on unemployment payments, and, importantly, they report feeling better and having higher energy levels.

Stories like Eoin's and data like this remind us why Labor's investment in the NDIS is so important and why we will always continue to protect it.

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