Review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Issues Paper Submission - La Trobe Law School

<p dir="ltr">The La Trobe Law School welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (‘DDA’). No contemporary system of laws that acknowledges disability as part of the reality of human diversity is complete without fit-forpurpose anti-discrimination legislation. We commend the government for seeking to remedy concerns about the DDA in its current form, seeking reform to promote substantive equality and challenge the systemic barriers that disadvantage people with disability. Overall, this submission argues that while the DDA has made important contributions to the recognition of disability rights in Australia, it requires significant reform to become a more effective tool for achieving substantive equality and preventing disability-based discrimination. Our recommendations are directed at creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable legal framework in line with both leading practices in anti-discrimination law internationally, and Australia’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (‘CRPD’). This submission focuses on the discussion questions most relevant to the expertise of Disability, Health and Law node members at the La Trobe Law School.</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p>