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Wanted --- Watchdog showing teeth |
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 John Wade CEO Focus 2000 |
 Meeting Chair and Minister |
The suggestion that a Disability Commission should replace
the Office of Disability Issues was strongly supported, at the Auckland
Disabilities Providers Network meeting, with the Minister of Disabilities,
the Hon.Tariana Turia. The Minister confirmed at the meeting, held on Thursday 15th October in Auckland, that the concept of such a Commission was not on the table. |
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However she was receptive to such an idea, revealing that the Green Party has introduced a bill, which would float the idea of a Disability Commission. The current Government policy is to develop priorities for government departments via the new Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues. |
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These issues will be guided by the
findings of the Social Services Select Committee Inquiry as well
as the NZ Disability Strategy, the UN Convention and the Government’s
party manifesto commitments. There was general dissatisfaction among the attendees, as it was felt the current policy lacked teeth. An independent commission was urgently required to fully understand the needs of the disabled. At present there is no true watch dog to ensure all the building blocks are in place for future generations.
Ross Flood |
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| The
News That Was |
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