Speech to be delivered by
Minister John Della Bosca MLC
at National Forum on Universal Housing: Unlimited by Design
Wednesday 8 November 2006
Avillion Hotel, Sydney
Good morning everyone.
I would like to begin by acknowledging that this forum is being held on the traditional lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation… and thank Uncle Lester Bostock… Bundjalung elder… for his welcome to country.
Distinguished guests… ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you to the Australian Network for Universal Housing Design… and the Disability Council of NSW for your kind invitation to be here today.
Clearly the buildings in which we live… work… and socialise must adapt to the changing nature of our families and communities.
We are moving into a period of unprecedented change in our age make up.
In 1861, just one percent of the Australian population was aged over 65 years.
Today, 14 percent of people in New South Wales are aged 65 or older.

By 2018, for the first time in New South Wales, people aged 65 and older will out-number children aged 14 years and under.
We also know that approximately one in five people has a disability.
It is clear that most people would prefer to live in their own home for as long as possible.
Research and our own experience tells us… that older people and people with a disability are happier… more engaged in their communities and families… and led more active and positive lives from their own homes.

The NSW Government with the Federal Government provides programs that offer practical support to enable people to remain living in their own homes longer.
My college Senator Santoro and I recently announced an additional $31.4 million this year to provide more respite … social support … domestic assistance … home modifications … meals … and personal care for frail older people… people with disabilities and carers.
The additional investment in these programs has been delivered in record time this year… thanks to my colleague, Senator Santoro.
In specialist Disability Services the NSW Government this year committed an additional… $1.3 billion…in new money… over five years.

Stronger Together is a 10-year vision… for a better support system for people with disabilities and their families in their communities.
Proper planning and increased funding across home care and disability programs has been significant.
However, the vision of supporting people ‘in place’ or ‘at home’ brings into focus the importance of universal design.
It is self evident that… in ideal circumstances… all public buildings… and other infrastructure would be universally accessible.
Yet we know that even with the best will in the world this will take time… planning… influence… and resources.

We need to influence the way homes are built at the planning stage and reduce or minimise the need for modifications if we are to effect real change in the long term.
It is disturbing to consider just how many people end up in specialist care…
…such as nursing homes or specialist disability accommodation…
… simply because their home could no longer accommodate their needs…
… despite the availability of in-home assistance.
The development of housing appropriate for the needs of current and future generations… is a key issue for governments … planners … builders … architects … and all of us here today.

We have begun to consider one part of this issue across government.
For example, currently we may have a perfectly accessible railway station in one suburb…which has little other disability infrastructure…
And a perfectly accessible school in a suburb with no accessible transport…
Now you could say that all stations and all schools should be accessible and inclusive.
And you’re right… they should.
But given that their not… and we know we can’t fix them all at once… nor all in one year…

We are seeking to coordinate and integrate our efforts so that infrastructure … and other accessibility and inclusion projects… have the maximum impact for people with a disability and their families.
So… where we plan improvements to transport... we also plan up-grades to schools and pathways and other community infrastructure.
This project is being conducted across Government agencies with responsibility for the various aspects of planning and development.
To often innovations such as these are imitated and maintained through the Disability Services or Aged care sectors.
That is what is so encouraging about this forum.

It is providing a real opportunity for wider recognition that universal design is in everyone’s interest.
Looking at the list of esteemed speakers addressing the Forum… and the breadth of challenging and interesting topics being addressed… I am sure you will generate interesting ideas and debate…
I hope this will enable you to be influencers for better design… for everyone
If together we can plan and implement this concept of practical support at home… accessible public facilities… and universal housing design we will be well on our way to truly inclusive communities.
I wish you well for the forum.
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