First Peoples Disability Network chief executive Damian Griffis says the federal election "marks a new chapter"
"Our communities are anticipating great change with this government, and our expectations are clear – self-determination is the key to progress," he said on Tuesday.
The First Peoples Disability Network congratulated Labor on its victory and welcomed "the opportunity to work in partnership to ensure First Nations people with disability are at the forefront of national reform efforts".
As the peak national organisation representing and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, FPDN urged the incoming government to "prioritise Culturally responsive and community-led solutions" across key areas including the NDIS, the Disability Sector Strengthening Plan, Australia's Disability Strategy, and service systems.
"Too often, First Nations people with disability are left behind in national policy and reform processes. This election result offers a critical opportunity to reset that approach, for the Albanese government to make bold change, and put our people – and our voices – at the centre of that change," Mr Griffis said.
FPDN said it "stands ready to work" with the government and key ministers to address "long-standing and systemic inequities". The Network said the necessary reforms will require long-term commitments: improving access to disability services, housing, health care, education, employment, and justice for First Nations people with disability in both urban and remote communities.
"We have already laid the groundwork. Our calls for change, guided by the lived experience and leadership of our people, offer clear pathways for success. What we need now is commitment and action," Mr Griffis said.
Key priorities identified by the Network for action include: The establishment of a First Nations Disability Forum as recommended by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, and real action on all other recommendations; Investing in culturally responsive foundational supports and NDIS reform; Addressing the overrepresentation of First Nations people with disability in child protection and justice systems; and jobs for mob with disability and building the remote workforce.
FPDN said it looks forward to engagement with the Minister for Social Services and the NDIS, as well as the Minister for Indigenous Australians to progress these priorities.
"The election may be over, but the work of delivering justice and inclusion for First Nations people with disability must begin in earnest today," Mr Griffis said.
"We are ready to lead and make change happen in partnership with the government."
