This is just a quick update to fill you in on a few events. Things are still pretty quiet in Wellington as we wait to hear what the make-up of the new Government will be. We are anticipating that Ruth Dyson will remain as Minister of Disability Issues, but there will probably be a number of new faces on the Select Committees we deal with.

Conference Registrations

Remember that you have until the end of August to take advantage of the Early Bird Registration for the VASS Conference in Hamilton in October. Also remember that there is a session for Boards included in the Conference programme, which is a great opportunity for your Board members to hear about the wider issues of the sector.

MSD Standards

By now you will have received a copy of the proposed Ministry of Social Development Standards for Vocational Services, from Robyn. We have an opportunity to provide feedback on this document, so let me know what you thoughts are by 16 August. You can fax or email me your comments, or give me a ring if you don’t have time to put pen to paper.

Ian Axford Fellowship in Public Policy

On Wednesday night I went to the presentation of the reports of the 2002 Ian Axford Fellows in Public Policy. The Fellowship is run by Fullbright NZ and enables mid-level policy makers from the US to come to New Zealand to see how we are dealing with policy issues and offer their feedback and ideas. One of this year’s Fellows was Paul Saucier who has spent his three months here studying the NZ Disability Strategy. His final report is called "Promoting a National Vision for People with Disabilities – Successful Policies and Enduring Barriers".

Paul has picked on many of the issues that VASS has highlighted to Government and has not been afraid to be quite challenging of our system. I have attached a summary of his lecture, but I would recommend you taking a look at his full report. It is available on the Fullbright NZ website (www.fullbright.org.nz) or you can obtain a hard copy by contacting their office: PO Box 3465, Wellington. Ph: 04 472 2065, Fax: 04 499 5364 or email gen@fullbright.org.nz)

Hope this finds you all well and happy.

Newsletter Monthly Newsletter Membership Members receive regular mailouts and newsletters covering specific issues and seeking member comment, notifying any significant Goverment policy changes. Annual Conference The 3rd Annual Conference of Workability International 12th – 15th October 2004 – Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand

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