Annual Report 2003–04
Commonwealth Disability Strategy
Disability Action Plan
Under the Commonwealth Disability Strategy, the department has the roles of provider of services, and employer.
The department recently reviewed its Disability Action Plan and set out strategies and performance indicators according to which it will provide or improve its services to people with disabilities.
Role as a service provider
The department provided facilities to make information and services available to people who have disabilities, including senators, other people participating in parliamentary processes, and members of the general public.
Information produced by the department was made accessible for people with vision difficulties via the internet, which also provided ready access for people with mobility impairments. Hearing loops were provided in lecture theatres and committee venues, for people with hearing impairments, and wheelchair access was provided to Parliament House and committee venues. The education programs delivered by the PEO were made available in a variety of modules, in part to cater for the needs of those with disabilities.
Role as an employer
Recruitment information continued to be made available in a range of formats, and the principle of reasonable adjustment was applied, where appropriate, to recruitment processes.
Training and development programs considered the needs of staff with disabilities.
The department’s employment policies, guidelines and practices complied with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
