The Morrison Government is investing $2 million in a two-year pilot for Australians with disability to further develop their leadership and senior executive skills and prepare them for board membership.
The Disability Leadership Initiative will offer 200 full fee scholarships to eligible leaders with disability to study with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston, said the initiative was an important step to help ensure the skills and contributions of people with disability were recognised.
“Having people with disability in senior leadership roles breaks down stereotypes and promotes inclusiveness at all levels,” Minister Ruston said.
"The Morrison Government is committed to encouraging organisations to grow their capacity to tap into the diverse and skilled talent that people with disability can bring to the workforce.
“By encouraging attitude shifts from the top down, this will upskill eligible people with disability for roles on community, commercial or government boards.”
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Linda Reynolds, said the initiative would enable leaders with disability both within and outside of the NDIS, providing clearer pathways for career development and leadership.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, and I am committed to improving the representation of Australians with disability at all levels of decision-making in our community,” Minister Reynolds said today.
“As Minister for the NDIS, I have appointed people with lived experience of disability to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board because I acknowledge that their input is critical to the success and effectiveness of the Scheme.
“Having more people with disability in leadership and board positions will not only inspire the next generation of leaders, but I have no doubt will improve education and employment outcomes for all Australians with disability,” Minister Reynolds said.
This initiative is funded under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program, which supports organisations to deliver projects in the community that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families.
The Disability Leadership Initiative is expected to run until June 2024 and will target leaders with disability over 18, in particular, women, First Nations people and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
Only through the Morrison Government’s strong economic management can we continue to fund these vital projects for people with disability.
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