You will be aware that the NSW Disability Services Act 1993 received assent on 8 April.

The Disability Services Act, together with the associated Community Services (Complaints, Appeals and Monitoring) Act 1993, puts this Government at the forefront in Australia and Internationally in its commitment to the rights of people with disabilities.

I wish to particularly draw your attention to Section 9 of the Disability Services Act, which requires that all 'public authorities' prepare and report on the implementation of disability plans. These plans are to be prepared by 7 April 1995 and to be made available to the public. Public authorities are defined as 'a government department, administrative office or declared authority specified in Schedule 1, 2 or 3 of the Public Sector Management Act 1988'.

I would be grateful if you could bring the requirements of Section 9 to the attention of the Chief Executive Officers of the public authorities (as defined above) within your portfolio. To assist you in this I attach a copy of Section 9 of the Disability Services Act and Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the Public Sector Management Act.

The Office on Disability is currently preparing a NSW Government Disability Strategic Plan which will provide an overarching organisational structure for the development of Departmental disability plans. Many departments have already been consulted in the process of preparing the Government Plan and have themselves prepared prospectuses for their own plans.

I suggest, therefore, that prior to commencing their plans that public authorities contact the Director of the Office on Disability, Dr Michael Steer, on 367 6855.

Although the Disability Services Act allows two years for the preparation of disability plans, I request that all agencies prepare a draft plan within the next twelve months.

The Hon I Armstrong MP
Acting Premier