Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:30): I rise to update the house on the International Day of People with Disability, which we celebrated here in Parliament House last week. It was a pleasure to host the Victorian Disability Advisory Council for a panel discussion to mark the day. This year’s theme, Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress, provided an excellent opportunity for VDAC members to discuss the issues which we are working on together across the disability portfolio: issues such as how young people with disability can help create more inclusive communities, co-design, accessible communication, universal design principles, and treaty and the participation of First Nations people with disability. VDAC members offered thoughtful reflections and practical ways government can continue to build towards a truly accessible and inclusive Victoria.

I want to thank the VDAC members and council chair Chris Varney for a great discussion, as it always is. I also want to thank VDAC more broadly for all the work they do and the diversity of views they bring to government. With council members from both cities and regional areas, different cultural backgrounds, First Nations people, representatives who are LGBTIQA+ people and young people as well as carers, there are so many different perspectives and real-life experiences represented amongst the group. The diversity helps us shape the policies and programs that will have a positive impact on people with disability in Victoria. Looking ahead to next year, we will begin work on the development of a new state disability plan. As with the current plan, VDAC will play a key role in the work to develop the new plan and I am sure will provide valuable insights, ideas and guidance as the next state disability plan takes shape and rolls out. I look forward to continuing to work closely with VDAC, the disability community and the sector in 2026 as we continue to progress towards our goal of a truly inclusive and accessible state.