Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby) [7.45 p.m.]: I am delighted to speak on an issue that is very close to my heart, World Down Syndrome Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow. I thank the member for Auburn for her contribution to discussion of this matter of public importance and for her continuing interest in it. World Down Syndrome Day is actually celebrated not just in Australia or in our electorates but right across the globe.
It is an international awareness day officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. It is important that members of Parliament and community leaders recognise that people living with Down syndrome or some other disability are not disabled people; they are people living with a disability, and they have the same hopes, dreams and aspirations as the rest of us.
Too often we focus on the word "disability" rather than the ability of people living with a disability. I know from visiting my local school, Clarke Road Special School, that this school does a remarkable job in promoting individuals not as disabled people but as people living with a disability, and helping them realise their hopes, dreams and aspirations. I know the wonderful work that they do in helping these young people realise their potential. But whether it be Clarke Road Special School or the school in the electorate of the member for Auburn, or the schools in many communities right across this State, I acknowledge the wonderful work done by the teachers and the carers who support people living with a disability, people living with Down syndrome, and help them to realise their dreams.
I put on the public record tonight particularly the leadership and vision of the principal of Clarke Road Special School, Diane Robertson, and the assistant principal and my great friend, Debbie Howell, and all of the school's dedicated teachers. Clarke Road has become a unique educational role model for special schools across the State. It has become so because the school recognises that each student, whether they have Down syndrome or autism or some other disability, is gifted. The staff work hard to help students realise their potential so that they will be able to realise their hopes and aspirations. It is important that the potential of a person with Down syndrome is seen not just by parents and carers but by all of us in the community and we recognise them as no different from rest of us. They have the potential to make a difference, to live happy and fulfilling lives, as the rest of us should be able to aspire to.
As policy-makers we need to ensure that we create an environment and platform for that to happen. World Down Syndrome Day puts into focus the need for that to happen: for us to reflect on challenges that people living with a disability face every day of the week, and how we as community leaders can help overcome those challenges. Whether that be by providing adequate funding to enable people living with a disability to access the services they need, or by providing an education system that enables them to develop their talents and the skills to live their lives outside educational institutions, we as policy-makers have a responsibility to provide equality of opportunity for people living with a disability. As a member of this House I am committed to that aim. I am so glad to rise here tonight and join the member for Auburn and members on the other side of the House, in a bipartisan manner, to achieve those objectives.
One thing we must do is ensure that people, regardless of their ability or disability, regardless of their gender, sexuality or the circumstances of their birth, have the same opportunity to realise their potential. I am committed to that as a member of Parliament; indeed, I hope all members of this Parliament are committed to it. I acknowledge the tireless efforts of not just the educators at Clarke Road Special School and educators of people living with a disability right across the State; I acknowledge the pivotal role of carers. I acknowledge the role that loved ones play in the development of those with Down syndrome, people living with a disability. Tomorrow, on World Down Syndrome Day, I would like everyone to pay attention to the challenges faced by people with a disability and their carers. We as policy-makers in this Parliament should ensure that we protect their rights and create opportunities for them.
Read the full transcript in Hansard here.
