Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The International Day of People with Disability is marked every year on 3 December, and can I acknowledge the cross-party motion that was passed here yesterday. It is, from the Australian government's point of view, supported by and coordinated through the Department of Social Services. The day is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions made by people with disabilities in their communities across Australia. I am very happy to see so many colleagues sporting the lapel badge to mark this important day.

I think senators will be very pleased to know that this year a record number of events are being held across Australia—nearly 1,000 events have been registered, which is the highest number of events in the 22-year history of the day. There are an incredibly diverse array of events to mark the occasion. There is an inclusive surfing event in Byron Bay; an Athletics Australia 'Get Involved' event for potential Paralympians in South Australia; an online disability employment forum here in Canberra; and something that will be of interest to Senator Mason, I am sure, a monster disco in Melbourne! There is also a wheelchair basketball in Western Australia and much more.

It is encouraging also to see business getting behind the day, with a number of workshops, conferences and forums taking place. We have also had great success with the first Lights up for People with Disability initiative, which will see buildings and structures in most states and territories light up in the day's colours of blue and orange.

The government and indeed all senators encourage Australians to join in today's celebrations and to consider what we as a community can do to ensure that people with disability have full access to economic opportunity.