Australia has reiterated its unwavering commitment to promoting disability equality, viewing it as both a core national value and a strategic investment in building a more inclusive and prosperous region. Tess McSpedden, First Secretary at the Australian High Commission, emphasized that when individuals with disabilities are allowed to participate fully and meaningfully in society, it strengthens both communities and economies for everyone.
In a significant move, Australia has introduced a performance target that mandates disability equity as a focus in 70 percent of its international development programs. This initiative aims to ensure that development endeavors yield better outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Among the key efforts is Australia’s flagship program, Stronger Movements, Stronger Futures, which is supported by an investment of over 50 million Australian dollars (approximately 74 million Fijian dollars). This program collaborates directly with organizations representing persons with disabilities, such as the Pacific Disability Forum, to bolster disability rights movements at national, regional, and global levels.
McSpedden highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly women and children who endure compounded discrimination. Alarmingly, in the Pacific region, less than 10 percent of children with disabilities have access to education, while those with psychosocial disabilities often encounter significant violence and exclusion from the workforce.
In response to these issues, Australia is actively partnering with various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and civil society, to combat discrimination in crucial areas such as education, health, and employment. This commitment includes a partnership worth 24.5 million Fijian dollars with AT Scale to enhance access to assistive technology for children throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Furthermore, in Fiji, Australia is investing 9.6 million dollars over five years through the targeted JETSI program, which supports gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, alongside initiatives that endorse Fiji’s National Disability Policy and the Inclusive Employment Guidebook. This comprehensive approach reflects Australia’s dedication to fostering a more equitable society, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunities they deserve to thrive.