The DLP recognises people with disabilities, as well as their families and carers, as valued members of our nation. The DLP believes that people with disabilities, their families and carers, deserve a better quality of life than that which the current system can provide. All care and support options should be person-centred.

 

• The Disability Services Act should be strengthened to further enable an equality of rights and opportunities for people with disabilities;
• The funding of advocacy services should be reassessed and strengthened;
• Adequate funding for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) should be explored;
• The implementation of a NDIS should be transparent, and accountable;
• Mainstream services should be required and funded to accommodate people with all types of disabilities;
• Remaining sites of congregate care (commonly referred to as institutions), should be shut down, with current residents moved into community-based options;
• Families with children with complex disabilities should receive adequate access to respite care options to avoid the incidence of relinquishment of their children into state care;
• The DLP will encourage innovation by Australians in the design, manufacture and production of aides, therapies, and equipment for Australians with disabilities.

 

Mental Health

The DLP recognises mental illness as a serious problem in Australia. The DLP will promote mental health and wellness for all Australians through a focus on prevention, early intervention, recovery and community development.

The DLP believes the link between illicit drug use and mental health problems should be investigated and publicised as part of a program to discourage illicit drug use.