MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

14 September 2005

COMMITMENTS TO DISABILITY NEED SUBSTANCE -DPA RESPONSE

As election commitments to disabled people and the disability sector fly from all parties, disabled New Zealanders just want the politicians to keep their eyes on the prize.

The National Assemble of People with Disabilities (DPA) says the key matter is that tangible actions advance the interests of disabled people - commitments don’t mean much without actions.

“That means we are looking for concrete actions, backed up by adequate resources. Words like ‘support and ‘encourage’ need to be tied down to specific actions if the commitments are to be taken seriously,” says DPA Chief Executive Gary Williams.

“Commitments in action will be the responsibility of all parties with seats in the next parliament” says DPA president Mike Gourley.

“Political parties have always supported the NZ Disability Strategy. So everyone needs to make that support real by promoting action and better funding for disability. It’s the best way All MPs can show a commitment to the 20 percent of our population who live with disabilities,” Mr Gourley says.

ENDS

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DPA is the national assembly of people with disabilities

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