The Australian Government has taken urgent action to protect the lives of Australians with disabilities to confront the coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday, National Cabinet agreed to release the Management and Operational Plan for COVID-19 for People with Disability (the Plan).
The Plan forms part of the national response developed by the Government and is aligned to the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Coronavirus (COVID-19) with representation from a range of backgrounds including people with lived experience, Disabled Peoples Organisations, the disability service sector, the research sector, the healthcare sector including medical practitioners and nursing, disability advocates, Australian Government officials, and state and territory government officials.
National Cabinet also agreed to begin implementing the plan to ensure some of the most vulnerable people in our community get the health care, support and help they need, where and when they need it.
Currently, there are more than four million people with disabilities in Australia.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said this practical and comprehensive plan will save and protect some of Australia’s most vulnerable.
‘Some people with disabilities are significantly more at risk of adverse health outcomes if they become infected with coronavirus than the general population–this plan will ensure our support is joined up for these at risk groups.’
‘All governments, the disability sector and the community play a role in minimising the risk of harm and protecting the rights of people with disability. This Plan provides us with the framework to do this during the pandemic.’
