Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Programs in my department and within the Australia Council are committed to supporting the good work of my colleague in the other place Mr Porter. I mentioned the important role the National Disability Insurance Scheme will play in enhancing access and participation by Australians with disability.

I should point out that the government also supports artists with disability through its involvement in the National Arts and Disability Strategy, which is a framework for collaboration across federal, state and territory governments. In 2015-16, I should mention that the Australia Council invested $375,000 in dedicated funding for artists with disability, and some six per cent of its expert peer grant assessors have a disability themselves. So there is a lot that is happening, there is a lot that is positive and I appreciate Senator Hume giving me the opportunity to expand.