Accessibility and Inclusion

And Inclusion

Transport and Main Roads Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy

Thank you BigDog Support Services for your valuable contribution

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to becoming a world leader in the provision of accessible and inclusive transport and an accessible and inclusive employer of choice. Our Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy (AIS) will support us in creating a single integrated transport network accessible to everyone. The strategy has been developed in consultation with our customers, employees and delivery partners to provide a roadmap for embedding inclusion and accessibility into transport services, products, information, infrastructure, workplaces and work practices. This is an important initiative when you consider the statistics (as at July 2020): • almost 20% of Queenslanders have a disability we have a geographically diverse state, with many living in remote parts of the state people are living longer—at 65 years of age Australians can expect to live half of their remaining years with some level of disability

• Queensland is home to people from more than 220 countries, 220 languages spoken, 100 religious beliefs in 2018-19 international visitors to Queensland increased to 2.8 million and domestic visitors reached 25.3 million (a large percentage of domestic travel is undertaken by people with disabilities or impairments). We are already delivering on a number of initiatives to support the AIS, but the strategy provides a roadmap and opportunity to consolidate and focus on the future. An Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan will be developed to support the progress of the AIS. We will adapt and create a culture of planning, designing and delivering with accessibility and inclusion.

Nadia Brady and Josh Marshall

Approves Victoria Cross

WWII hero Teddy Sheean

ABC News

Queen Elizabeth II has approved the posthumous awarding of the Victoria Cross to WWII hero Edward 'Teddy' Sheean, GovernorGeneral David Hurley says. It comes after PM Scott Morrison recommended the Ordinary Seaman be awarded Australia's highest military honour. The 18-year-old had less than two years at sea and was serving on the minesweeper HMAS Armidale when it came under heavy attack from Japanese aircraft off the coast of what is now Timor-Leste in 1942. Sheean is recorded as helping launch life rafts before returning to fire at enemy aircraft, despite the order having been given to abandon ship. The Governor-General said he had relayed the news to Sheean's nephews earlier today, describing it as a momentous occasion for the family. "In my conversations with them, their pride and emotion was very evident," he said. "A young man serving his nation who chose certain death over the chance of survival to try to save his mates who were in the water,"

"Many of us have really been taken back by his courage, his commitment to his mates and his sacrifice. "The story is inspiring and should inspire us all." Mr Hurley said it was an "especially poignant

time" with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II approaching. "In remembering Teddy, acknowledging his service and honouring his courage, we also preserve the legacy of a generation that has served and shaped our nation," he said. He said a ceremony would be held in the coming months. Australia's Chief of Navy Michael Noonan said it was "a great day for our Navy, our nation and for a young Australian sailor who paid the highest price to save his shipmates from certain death". Sheean's VC was "the first for a member of the Royal Australian Navy," he said. "Teddy Sheean's story of bravery is well known within our Navy and we have long recognised his heroic and gallant actions. "This account is the stuff of legend. Sheean's actions on that day, [1st December 1942], were absolutely among the most conspicuous and most gallant we've seen in our Navy." The announcement marks the end of a long and contentious campaign to recognise the Ordinary Seaman's efforts through a VC.