Participation in Political and Public Life (Article 29)
Current legislation relating to electoral processes allow for many people with disability (particularly those with intellectual and cognitive disability) to be automatically exempted from Australia’s compulsory voting system rather than assuming capacity unless it can be proven otherwise. Accessibility of secret ballot arrangements makes voting less equal and accessible for people with vision or literacy impairments. Inadequate funding to support representative organisations of people with disability limits their capacity to support active participation by people with disability in the political process including standing for elected office.
This report calls for amendments to the electoral legislation to promote greater accessibility to voting and provision of means of voting and assistance that maximises the chance for all people with disability to meet their obligations as a citizen. Improved funding to representative organisations of people with disability to promote active engagement in the political sphere should be a key strategy.
