Senator FERRIS (2:54 PM) —My question is to the Minister for Family and Community Services. Can the minister please outline to the Senate how the Howard government has assisted people into the work force, including by encouraging employers to recognise the very valuable contribution of people with disabilities and the ways they can assist in the work force?

Senator PATTERSON (Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women) —I thank Senator Ferris for her question. Those of us on this side of the chamber know that the best way to get people off unemployment and into employment is to create jobs—real jobs. The Treasurer recently announced the lowest unemployment rate in more than 13 years, which was 5.8 per cent in the September figures. That is the lowest level since 1990 and well below the 8.6 per cent level that we inherited in 1996. The record low unemployment has been achieved through the Howard government's responsible economic policies to both stimulate the economy and deliver lower interest rates. We have created 1.2 million real jobs and, as I said, unemployment is below six per cent. The Commonwealth is also committed to working with businesses to recognise the contribution that people with disabilities can make to the work force. We are increasing funding for disability employment services by more than $161 million over the next four years.

I remember being in this chamber and hearing one of the most, I would say, interesting debates when Labor was considering what were then called sheltered workshops. Senator Tate was sitting in this very seat and Senator Herron's daughter was working in what is now called a disability employment service. Senator Herron raised the issue of what his daughter would do if that centre were closed down. What we have done is strengthen those services and provided an extra $161 over the next four years. In a very interesting debate in this chamber—often things are stitched up and talked about beforehand—Senator Tate responded to Senator Herron as the father of a profoundly disabled young person asking what would happen if Labor continued with their policies. But we have not done that. What we have done is strengthened those services and provided $161 million over the next four years. We are providing more access and support to encourage people with disabilities to take up vocational education and training. Through New Apprenticeships, the Howard government will pay $3.5 million to disability employment providers. Over the next three years, $15.4 million will be provided to assist job seekers in rural and remote areas.

Tonight I will have the pleasure of hosting a dinner at which the state and territory winners of the 2003 Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Awards will be announced. The Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Awards recognise employers who employ people with disabilities. These employers are rewarded daily by the valuable contribution these employees make. This year's awards attracted over 350 nominations from around Australia—the highest number to date. I congratulate all the employers who were nominated and look forward to the winners being announced tonight. Companies like these are leading the way. It is wonderful to see the growing number of businesses with the insight, vision and commitment to open up their businesses to people with disabilities. These employers recognise the contribution that all Australians can make, and value the different qualities that we each bring to the workplace as individuals.

These awards are about giving people a chance to participate, to learn, to succeed and to develop in real jobs. They are about reaching potential for both the employee and the employer. The awards acknowledge employers who recruit staff based on their abilities and create workplaces where people with disabilities can participate fully. One in five Australians has a disability; many are able and willing to work and simply need to be given a chance to show what they can do. On behalf of the government I would like to congratulate all the businesses and government agencies that were nominated for this year's awards.

Senator FERRIS —Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. In recognising the valuable contribution that these people can make to the work force, is the minister aware of any alternative policies?

Senator PATTERSON (Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women) —As I said, Senator Ferris, the Labor Party failed people with disabilities. They failed, in particular, in a very draconian move to close down sheltered workshops.

Senator Chris Evans —You are talking absolute rubbish!

Senator PATTERSON —Senator Chris Evans can go back and look through the Hansard and see that there was such a move. They used the appalling term of `not back-filling' sheltered workshops. It was an appalling policy. They saw the light in one of the best debates of this chamber, when Senator Herron put Senator Tate on the spot. Senator Tate went to Senator Howe and the policy was changed. It was one of the best debates in this chamber, as a result of Senator Herron putting the Labor Party on the spot.

Senator Hill —Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.