By Rayon Lakingu – EMTV News
The Department of Community Development, in consultation with the Constitution and Law Reform Commission, has drafted a Disability Authority Bill.
The Disability Authority Bill was presented to members of CLRC, and various departments and stakeholders, in an inter-agency consultation workshop today (04 December, 2018).
The aim of the bill is to ensure full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and freedoms by all persons with disabilities.
The Disability Authority Bill was developed based on the PNG National Policy on Disability, which was launched in 2015.
This is to strengthen the legal framework of the disability sector.
The proposed Disability Authority, will see an establishment of its own office;
And establishment of the National Board for Persons with Disabilities.
At the inter-agency consultation workshop today, the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Community Development said the Disability sector is a huge sector that needs attention.
And coming up with an Authority, is a big step forward.
Spearheading the drafting of the Disability Authority Bill is the Constitution and Law Reform Commission.
Director, Drafts and Advisory, Lois Stanley, said they have consulted judges in a judge’s workshop, and there is a great need to have this Authority.
Present at the Consultation workshop today was the Second Secretary for the Australian High Commission, Patricia Manley.
She also shared her views, saying Australia is committed to helping People with disabilities.
The Disability Authority Bill is now at the consultation stage for commentaries from various stakeholders.
After it is finalized, it will be brought before Parliament, for enactment.
