It is my great honour as the Minister for Disability Issues to present to the House of Representatives the first government report on implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.

The launch of the strategy in April 2001 by the Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Disability Issues Minister Lianne Dalziel fulfilled a key Labour-Alliance pre-election promise, and marked a turning point in the relationship between the government and people with disabilities.

The strategy was developed with extensive input from people with disabilities and the wider disability movement. Its vision is of a society based on the human rights, empowerment and participation of all New Zealanders; a society that values and celebrates diversity and recognises the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The strategy gives us, for the first time ever, a national framework to address disability issues across agencies, policies, services and legislation. Its 15 objectives and 113 detailed actions will guide government action to promote a more inclusive society.

This report is the first step in measuring our progress. It outlines the activities of the 10 [1] key government departments that prepared strategy work plans this year, covering their activities from 1 July to 30 September 2001.

Because of the short timeframe, it is only possible to give a general indication of progress reported by these departments in meeting their targets. However, a heightened awareness of disability issues, and a greater willingness to consider the effects of their policies and services on people with disabilities are already evident. This sort of leadership is critical in removing the biggest barrier to participation - negative attitudes.

Future annual reports to Parliament will be more comprehensive, monitoring the progress of government departments over a full year. The government's overall progress will be evaluated after five years and 10 years.

The primary focus of the New Zealand Disability Strategy is on what government departments and other publicly funded organisations need to do to remove the barriers that face people with disabilities. In this report, you will also find examples of the strategy in action in our communities - a tribute to the hard work and growing confidence of the disability movement.

In particular, I want to acknowledge the leadership and commitment of the national advocacy organisation DPA (the Assembly of People with Disabilities) and thank chief executive Gary Williams for his message of support.

The New Zealand Disability Strategy is already proving a powerful tool for change. I congratulate all those who have contributed to the progress already made, and I am confident that, together, we can create a society that values all its citizens and encourages their full participation.

Hon Ruth Dyson
Minister for Disability Issues