The petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House the need for a dedicated Disability Officer for the region covered by the Toowoomba Regional Council to ensure people with disabilities have equality of opportunity in all aspects of life without discrimination.

The regional multicultural community has benefited enormously from the appointment of a multicultural officer through the Queensland Government's Multicultural Community Worker Program which provides funding to Councils to promote positive community relations at a local level.

We believe that the disability community, who comprise 20% of the population, will benefit equally from the appointment of a dedicated Disability Officer.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to, in the interests of equality, provide funding for a dedicated Disability Officer for the Toowoomba Regional Council.