Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for School Education and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators McLucas, Fifield, Boyce and Siewert, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that 21 March 2013, marks the 8th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and the second time that day has been acknowledged under the auspices of the United Nations (UN);

(b) recognises that Down syndrome is the most prevalent genetic cause of intellectual disability;

(c) acknowledges that barriers faced by people with Down syndrome can be overcome through the shared vision for an inclusive Australian society that enables people with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens (National Disability Strategy 2010-2020);

(d) recognises that, through the Government's Better Start for Children with Disability program, as at the end of February, 1 325 children with Down syndrome have registered to receive up to $12 000 for early intervention;

(e) acknowledges the multi-partisan support for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, with the first stage of the scheme launching in a number of sites from 1 July which will give Australians with Down syndrome and other disabilities the opportunity to live fulfilling lives; and

(f) supports the celebration of UN World Down Syndrome Day by people with Down syndrome, their families, friends and carers, and the wider community.

Question agreed to.