On 3-9 December 1994 the World Assembly of Disabled Peoples' International will be held in Sydney. It is expected that the Assembly will bring over 1,200 visitors to New South Wales, with large delegations attending from the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Pakistan and Japan.

The Assembly is to proceed in two parts, namely:

1. the formal World Assembly on 5-9 December 1994 to be attended by international figures including Archbishop Desmond Tutu; and
2. the pre-World Assembly program on 3-4 December 1994 to consider human rights issues affecting people with disabilities from an Australian perspective.

The New South Wales Government has already demonstrated its support for this important event. On the evening of 5 December 1994 1 will be hosting a State Reception for delegates to the Assembly. To date, the Government has also contributed (in cash and kind) $250,000 towards the event, matching the Commonwealth Government's contribution.

All Ministers should encourage agencies within their administrations to consider how they might assist in the planning and operation of the World Assembly. Agencies might, for example, sponsor a group of employees or customers with disabilities to attend the Assembly, release staff to provide support at the Assembly, publicise the event in in-house publications and/or make cash donations.

Further information on measures to contribute towards the success of the World Assembly may be obtained by contacting Dr Michael Steer, Director, Office on Disability (367 6856).

John Fahey
Premier