Dr Lawrence asked the Minister representing the Minister for Communications and the Arts, upon notice, on 26 March 1997:

(1) What Commonwealth funding was provided to the peak arts and disability group Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts, Australia (DADAA) in 1996-97.

(2) Does the Government, through any of its arts agencies, have a policy on disability and the arts.

(3) Does the Australia Council dedicate funds for arts and disability matters; if so, what are the details.

Mr Warwick Smith —The Minister for Communications and the Arts has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

The Australia Council has provided the following advice:

(1) In 1995/96 the Australia Council provided $80,000 for DADAA to stage national meetings of the network and to assist it to implement its action plan, for commencement in 1996/97.

(2) Yes. The Australia Council has developed a Disability Action Plan in accordance with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The Plan addresses promotion of best practice models, training and awareness raising, increased access to education and training, accessibility of facilities and funding programs and use of new technologies.

(3) See answer to (1). In 1996/97 negotiations have continued with DADAA to develop a proposal for continuation of the partnership with the Council for the 1997/98 year.

Applications in the arts and disability field may be made to any grant category of the Australia Council as described in the 1997 Grant Handbook.