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National Disability Research Partnership paves the way for further improvements to disability policy

Published on Monday 22nd June, 2020 Joint with: Senator the Hon Anne Ruston Minister for Families and Social Services Manager of Government Business in the Senate The Hon Stuart Robert MP Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister for Government Services ​ The Morrison Government has today announced the launch of the National Disability Research Partnership, led by the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne. ​ Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston, said the National Disability Research Partnership brings together experts in disability policy and research from across the country and around the world to deliver a world-class disability research and policy hub. ​ ‘The Morrison Government is committed to enabling people with disability to have equal opportunity and recognises the enormous role of disability research funding in fulfilling this commitment, that is why we have committed $2.5 million in seed funding to establish this research partnership’ Minister Ruston said. ​ ‘The National Disability Research Partnership will promote the use of evidence-informed policy and practice to ensure people with disability have equal opportunities and are included in all aspects of community life. ​ ‘The Partnership will focus on disability and mainstream services including education, health, housing and justice, and facilitate research which recognises the diversity of experiences for people with disability.’ ​ Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, said over the next two years, the National Disability Research Partnership will prepare and progress a research agenda, research capability roadmap, and practical guides for disability inclusive research in partnership with the disability community. ​ ‘Australia has seen unprecedented change in disability policy over the last decade, including the introduction of the NDIS, which is built on the premise of giving people with disability choice and control over the supports they receive,’ Minister Robert said. ​ ‘The work of the National Disability Research Partnership will ensure all governments continue to improve on our service delivery for an estimated 500,000 NDIS participants over the next few years, and for all Australians with disability.’ ​ The Morrison Government has also committed $15 million for the development of the National Disability Data Asset, and is finalising the new National Disability Strategy with states and territories. ​ For more information, please visit the NDRP website at https://www.ndrp.org.au