As an Australian citizen living with a developmental disability (which in short means 'a genetic condition that deteriorates over time'), the reality of my everyday life includes pressing challenges and the struggle for basic rights and supports just to be able to undertake day-day tasks (eg. Going to a couple of Day Centres to undertake my much loved hobby and skill of creating music, as well as undertaking appointments in the community, as well as undertaking leisure activities in the community, and as well as undertaking domestic tasks in my own home).

For about 8 years and 9 months, I lived without formal supports; grappling with my condition, as well as the challenges and tasks I had to complete on a day-day basis without formal physical help; while fighting for recognition to be heard as well as helped formally with physical sipport. With immense struggle, finally I was entitled to the "NDIS", which is a lifeline for people like me. 

However, the "NDIS" is governed by the "NDIA" - and while the "NDIS" is a much needed help and support for disabled people who have significant physical, intellectual, and learning disabilities; the "NDIS" does operate on rules that constantly fluctuate with the change in governments. This uncertainty forms a great deal of stress and instability in the lives of those who depend on it greatly. 

Australia is home to over 4.4 million people with some form of disability; which is close to 18% of our population in Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016). Yet our voices, especially of those directly affected like me, do not find their way to the lawmakers in Federal Parliament as often as they should do.

This petition is a call to establish a committee of 'Everyday Australians' (who may or may not be on the "NDIS") who live with disabilities. This committee would serve as a critical voice in our Australian Federal Parliament; promoting the rights of all disabled members of our community, and ensuring that changing government policies do not leave us in the lurch.

Let's create a committee that can represent: our voices, our concerns, our needs, and our rights at the heart of our Australian Democratic Government.

Pleaese sign this petition today to help get a much needd Disability Voice into the Australian Parliament.