*Media Release* – NSW Labor Party to establish Trial Auslan Branch

Deaf Australia congratulates NSW Labor Party (proposed by the Honourable Sophie Cotsis and seconded by Helen Westwood) for taking the initiative to promote inclusion of deaf people into the political party.

The motion at the recent NSW Labor State Conference was carried to trial the establishment of an Auslan Branch to promote greater participation of Auslan users in the political party.
The trial is seen to be an important step in engaging with the NSW deaf community by allowing an informal way for members to discuss Party affairs and policy issues in Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
“It is a proud moment for the NSW deaf community as the NSW Labor Party recognises the importance of being inclusive, and ensuring that they include the deaf community and Auslan,” said Mr. Wright. “We believes that all political parties (local, state and national) should be inclusive, and we will work with all parties to promote greater understanding of and about deaf people and Auslan in their affairs and subsequent government’s policies and legislations.
Mr. Todd Wright, Chairperson of Deaf Australia, Mr. Christian James, President of Deaf Australia NSW and Mr. Colin Allen, President of World Federation of the Deaf/ Vice President of International Disability Alliance were in attendance as invited observers when the motion was proposed and carried.