Australia — At
the launch of the Australian Greens People with
Disabilities policy at Wollongong railway station today,
Cunningham MP Michael Organ and NSW Greens MLC Lee
Rhiannon highlighted the need for people with
disabilities to be able to better access public transport
in Australia.
"It is a failure of both the
Federal and State Governments that people with
disabilities continue to have limited access to public
transport. Government must, for example, do more to
provide wheelchair access to public transport
facilities," Michael Organ said.
"In addition, employment support
programs for people with disabilities should be expanded
rather than cut, and the Federal Government must stop
harassing disability support pensioners. Local
organisations with a proven track record such as
Greenacres must be assured of continued funding."
"Bob Carr is still remembered as
the Premier that made a monumental gaffe when he insulted
people with disabilities and their carers during a visit
to the Illawarra last month, whilst John Howard is known
for ignoring the pressing needs of people with
disabilities throughout his term as Prime
Minister.
"Despite Australia having a budget
surplus in the billions, people with disabilities are
neglected by both the State and Federal Governments and
that's not good enough. The Greens policy addresses the
wide variety of concerns and issues facing the sector at
the moment. It offers a blueprint for the way
forward."
"Only the Greens can be trusted to
protect and advance the interests of people with
disabilities," Michael Organ said.
More from
Kristian Bolwell (Adviser)
Tel: (02) 42283666 or 0439464439
