Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Fifield, Moore and Siewert, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) World Down Syndrome Day was celebrated internationally on 21 March 2016, and the theme for this year's commemoration is 'My Friends, My Community', and

(ii) people with Down syndrome must be able to enjoy full and equal rights to include the opportunity to participate fully in their communities;

(b) recognises that, sadly, the reality remains for many that prevailing negative attitudes result in low expectations, discrimination and exclusion; and

(c) joins with Down Syndrome Australia, Down Syndrome International and the Australian Down syndrome community in:

(i) supporting the 'My Friends, My Community' conversation, and notes that when children with Down syndrome are given opportunities to participate, all children benefit from this shared environment of friendship, acceptance and respect for everyone and high expectations are created, and

(ii) acknowledging these environments prepare all today's children for life as tomorrow's adults, enabling adults with Down syndrome to live, work, and participate, with confidence and individual autonomy, fully included in society alongside their friends and peers.

Question agreed to.