What is the Disability Discrimination Act?
The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the Act), which came into effect on 1 March 1993, is a strong statement that discrimination on the basis of disability is unlawful. The Act reflects a rights-based approach to disability issues. It recognises that people with a disability have the same fundamental rights as other people and should have equal opportunities to participate in community life.
These rights have been strengthened and articulated in legislation such as the Disability Services Act 1992 (Qld), the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld) and the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).
Internationally, Australia co-sponsored the development of the 1993 United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Like the Act, the Standard Rules focus on human rights and access issues. They recognise that, for many people, having a disability leads to constraints and barriers that exclude them from participating in community life.
The Australian Government supports the Standard Rules and is committed to a program of action that encourages equality of opportunity for people with a disability, and ensures the environment is accessible to them and responsive to their needs.
Section 60 of the Act reflects a commitment to comply with the Standard Rules. This section provides for government and non-government organisations to develop Disability Discrimination Action Plans and to lodge them with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
While these are not legislated requirements, Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) has voluntarily developed a Plan in accordance with the Queensland Government's commitment to provide support for people with a disability, their families and carers.
Last updated November 2007