Australia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to promoting disability equality, recognizing it as a fundamental national value and a strategic investment that contributes to a more inclusive and prosperous regional landscape. Tess McSpedden, First Secretary at the Australian High Commission, stated that empowering individuals with disabilities to engage fully and meaningfully in society not only enriches communities but also bolsters economic growth.
In a noteworthy initiative, Australia has set a performance target that prioritizes disability equity within 70 percent of its international development programs. This step is designed to ensure that development efforts yield enhanced outcomes for individuals with disabilities. A cornerstone of this initiative is Australia’s flagship program, Stronger Movements, Stronger Futures, which has been allocated more than 50 million Australian dollars (around 74 million Fijian dollars). This program works closely with organizations dedicated to disability rights, such as the Pacific Disability Forum, aimed at strengthening disability rights movements at national, regional, and global levels.
McSpedden pointed out the persistent challenges confronting individuals with disabilities, particularly women and children who face multiple forms of discrimination. Shockingly, in the Pacific region, fewer than 10 percent of children with disabilities have access to education, and those with psychosocial disabilities often experience significant violence and exclusion from employment opportunities.
To tackle these pressing issues, Australia is collaborating with various stakeholders, including government bodies, the private sector, and civil society, to eliminate discrimination in critical sectors like education, health, and employment. A noteworthy component of this commitment includes a partnership valued at 24.5 million Fijian dollars with AT Scale, aimed at improving access to assistive technology for children across the Indo-Pacific region.
In Fiji specifically, Australia is investing 9.6 million dollars over five years through the targeted JETSI program, which promotes gender equality, disability, and social inclusion. This initiative aligns with Fiji’s National Disability Policy and the Inclusive Employment Guidebook, illustrating Australia’s holistic dedication to cultivating a fairer society. By ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the necessary support and opportunities, Australia is paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.