**MEDIA RELEASE** Tuesday 23 April 2013 The NSW Government is backing its kids - Other state and territory

leaders urged to sign up to Gonski reforms. Children with Disability Australia (CDA) welcomes the announcement today from NSW Premier Barry OFarrell and Prime Minister Julia Gillard that NSW has signed the National Education Reform Agreement. CDA urges all state and territory leaders to support the Gonski reforms and to deliver better education outcomes for all students. Our leaders must ensure that adequate resourcing will be available to create a more equitable schooling system which has the capacity to meet the needs of all students, including students with disability. Stephanie Gotlib, Executive Officer of CDA said: Our leaders must put our childrens futures first and unite to support these vital reforms. This is a unique opportunity to impact on the lives of all Australian students and to make an investment in our nations future. As the peak national body for children and young people with disability, CDA is inundated with reports from its members of discrimination and low expectations for students with disability. Members view a lack of resources, inadequate training of teachers and staff, significant bullying, limited input by allied health professionals and unacceptable use of restrictive practices as the primary areas of concern. Ms Gotlib said: It is simply unacceptable that these experiences should be common place for students with disability. They reflect a system in crisis. Reforming the education system is a complex task, but it is absolutely critical for Australias future. NSW has taken the first step today. I encourage the remaining leaders to put people above politics and join Premier OFarrell in signing the agreement. This cannot wait. Education reform for students with disability must be a first order priority for all governments and cannot be left as a residual part of the reform package, said Ms Gotlib. **ends** Available for interview and news grabs: Stephanie Gotlib Executive Officer Children with Disability Australia www.cda.org.au

Media Contact: Sara Irvine sara@sazcom.com.au +61402982002