- The Hon Anne Aly MP, Minister for International Development
The Albanese Government is supporting a stronger, more inclusive Indo-Pacific through a new $50 million flagship initiative – Stronger Movements, Stronger Futures.
Stronger Movements, Stronger Futures will strengthen national, regional, and global disability rights movements – ensuring people with disability are at the centre of policy and decision-making.
Supporting disability rights movements is a key priority under the Albanese Government's International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy, released in November 2024.
Australia has a proud history of supporting disability equity and rights through our development program. This new initiative is Australia's largest ever international investment dedicated to disability, reaffirming our global leadership in this sector.
Through this investment, Australia will partner with three leading organisations of people with disability – the International Disability Alliance, Pacific Disability Forum, and ASEAN Disability Forum.
Today's announcement coincides with International Day of People with Disability.
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
"One year on from launching Australia's International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy, we are deepening our engagement with organisations led by and for people with disability – powerful advocates for change and key partners for creating real outcomes.
"Stronger Movements, Stronger Futures empowers people with disability to lead change – removing barriers and creating opportunities for full and equal participation in society.
"Improving outcomes and advancing rights for people with disability reflects Australia's values and strengthens our region."
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development Anne Aly:
"Disability equity benefits everyone. Inclusive societies are more peaceful and cohesive, and have greater potential for economic growth.
"People with disability are expertly placed to shape the policies and programs that impact them. This investment will ensure people with disability are at the centre of decision-making, from the very onset.
"Too often people with disability aren't seen, or their needs are treated as an afterthought. Inclusion shouldn't be an add on, it should be central to how decisions are made."