Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hughes for her question on this really important issue. We know that timely information and support are absolutely essential for Australians who live with disability, but never more so than they are now, as we navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The disability community is particularly diverse, and finding information about policies and programs and supports that are available for individuals can be quite a challenge. A lack of access to this information can also be a barrier to people being able to access the community and independence and their participation. We recognise this. In response, the Morrison-Joyce government has invested in the National Disability Gateway. We've worked extensively with people with disability and the disability sector to design a fit-for-purpose tool to make sure that Australians who live with disability have easy access to information and referral services. Importantly, we've relied on the advice of people in the field: those with lived experience of disability and those who care and advocate for them.

The gateway will assist people with disability, and their families and carers, to use this trusted information through a website, a 1800 number and social media channels. It's a tool with information and advice on support from programs that range from education and health to housing and transport. It will be the central starting point for people with disability to be able to access the information and services that they need. It's fast and easy to use and it offers a range of accessible features—for example, an easy-read toggle on every single page of the website. Whether it be locating advocacy services, finding a sporting team to become involved with or identifying a local disability related event, the tool is there to assist everyone. Importantly, the gateway is for all Australians with disability, regardless of who they are or where they live.