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Media Release
BILL SHORTEN MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services
Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Rudd Government gives $162,000 to new body
representing children with disability
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten, today
launched Children with Disability Australia, a new disability organisation representing
the views and interests of children with disability and their family.
Mr Shorten announced that CDA would receive $162,000 in Federal Government
funding in the next financial year to help it make sure the voices of children with
disability were heard.
Children with Disability Australia, which evolved from the Australian Association for
Families of Children with Disability, is the only national organisation to provide
advocacy and assistance specifically to children with disability and their families.
“Children are often voiceless in our community, and children with a disability in
particular often have their needs and rights ignored,” Mr Shorten said.
“But they are entitled to the same opportunities as other Australian children.
“Children with Disability Australia is a new organisation, but it is a true champion of
young people’s rights, advocating on behalf of children with disability to ensure they
have lives of quality and dignity.”
Founded by families who were concerned about the lack of a national voice
representing their children, Children with Disability Australia has a membership of
nearly 5,000, with 70 per cent representing families and 30 per cent representing
organisations.
“Children with Disability Australia brings together the views of families on issues
including early childhood development, social inclusion, education, equipment and
discussions around lifelong planning,” Mr Shorten said.
“Parents are the ones who know their child’s needs best and it is important that they
are listened to.”
“CDA is supporting children not only by educating policy-makers and informing the
public about the rights of children but also by celebrating the successes and
achievements of children with disability.
“The Rudd Government has demonstrated its commitment to this organisation and its
goals through the funding announced today, and I am very proud to be able to join
with Children with Disability Australia in celebrating the work the organisation does.”
NEWS 
