Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability

The federal government has responded strongly to calls from the disability community by releasing an emergency response plan on how the health sector will meet the needs of people with disability during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The plan was developed in one week through strong collaborative action between federal government agencies and an advisory committee. The advisory group included Professor Anne Kavanagh from the University of Melbourne and the CRE-DH, and a range of other disability advocates, researchers and professionals.

All of Australia’s chief medical officers endorsed the plan, which was adopted by the National Cabinet on 16 April 2020.

This Management and Operational plan focuses on people with disability and includes:

  • an overview of the plan, its objectives and principles
  • rationale for the plan
  • roles and responsibilities
  • governance and consultation
  • the operational plan phases

The plan includes a strong focus on the rights of people with disability. It commits to ensuring people with disability receive the same standards of health care as other people in the community. It sets out what needs to happen to maximise prevention of Coronavirus for people with disability, to prepare and support the health and disability workforce, and to provide people with the right treatment.

The national advisory committee will continue to meet to oversee the implementation of the plan and advise on any amendments that are needed. Each state and territory will lead local action on the plan. 

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