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DHHS Disability Reference Group

The DHHS Disability Reference Group was established to develop and maintain the Disability Action Plan. All members of the reference group were invited to attend a disability awareness training and information session in August 2008.

The Reference Group comprises the following representatives:

  • Morven Andrews (Population Health);
  • Simon Barnsley (Chief Executive Officer, chairperson);
  • Emma Bridge (Health and Wellbeing);
  • Alyssa Burgess (Office of Secretary);
  • Mark Byrne (Children and Family Services);
  • Kylie Cantwell (Corporate Strategy, Planning and Performance);
  • Lisa Donaldson (CSPP, Project Manager);
  • Louise Downham (Communications Unit);
  • Chris Fox (Mental Health Services);
  • Mark Frohmader (Mental Health Services);
  • Dennis Holzberger (Launceston General Hospital);
  • Paula Hyland (North West Regional Hospital);
  • Jeanette Lewis (Housing Tasmania);
  • Phil Liebeknecht (Facilities Management);
  • Lesley Mackay (Disability Services);
  • Tina Merritt (Human Resources);
  • Larraine Millar (Royal Hobart Hospital);
  • Michael Plaister (Youth Justice Services);
  • Wolfgang Rechenberger (Ambulance and Health Transport Services);
  • Julie Robinson (Primary Health);
  • Kevin Stark (Information Services);
  • Alison Jacob (Project Sponsor).

The Reference Group’s role is to:

  • Progress the implementation of the Disability Framework for Action 2005-2010 within DHHS;
  • Develop, maintain and review the Department’s Disability Action Plan;
  • Ensure that relevant strategies and actions are embedded within strategic and operational planning;
  • Ensure appropriate consultation occurs with clients, employees and other stakeholders who have disabilities;
  • Contribute to the Department’s reporting on progress in implementation of the Framework;
  • To ensure there is a common and easily understood language around the Disability Framework for Action which is adopted throughout the Agency;
  • Share information effectively between staff, units and Groups; and
  • Promote awareness and understanding of the Disability Framework for Action 2005-2010 within the Department and contribute to positive cultural change in employee attitudes and behaviour towards people with disabilities.

Key Players:

  • Minister for Health and Minister for Human Services;
  • All units within DHHS;
  • DHHS staff and clients;
  • Premier’s Disability Advisory Council (PDAC);
  • Minister’s Disability Advisory Committee (MDAC);
  • Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC);
  • Tasmanian Together Progress Board;
  • Disability Bureau; and
  • Disability peak bodies, service providers and consumer groups in Tasmania.

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