Media Release

The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health has welcomed the inclusion of a specific focus on people with intellectual and other disabilities in the Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) Act, passed by the Australian Parliament last week.

Centre Director, Professor Julian Trollor, said the change represents a major step forward in ensuring people with disability are not left behind in Australia’s public health preparedness and response systems.

"This is a clear indication that people with disability will have a voice in shaping Australia’s public health preparedness and response," Professor Trollor said.

"The COVID-19 pandemic showed what happens when that voice is missing. These changes ensure people with disability are no longer an afterthought in national health planning."

When the new legislation was first introduced, there was no mention of people with disability. Following strong advocacy from the National Centre, the final Act now requires that a person with disability and relevant expertise be appointed to the ACDC Advisory Council.

That representative will join a First Nations representative as one of only two positions in the legislation reserved for specific population groups.

The Act also ensures that bodies representing people with disability, and organisations focused on disability health, are among those the ACDC should consult and provide advice to.

Professor Trollor said the inclusion marks an important acknowledgment of the health needs of people with disability and commended the collaboration that made it possible.

"We thank those across Parliament who recognised the need for inclusion, particularly the Australian Greens for proposing the amendments and the Federal Government for adopting them," he said.

"This is a positive and practical outcome that will make a real difference in ensuring the health of people with disability."

"When people with disability are included in planning and decision-making, we all benefit from a more responsive and effective public health system.

"We look forward to working closely and constructively with the ACDC to ensure its work reflects the needs of all Australians, including people with intellectual disability," Professor Trollor said

Media contact: Alana Mew - 0419 929 722