Australian Association for Families of Children with Disability

Media Links

Whether it's radio, tv, newspapers, or various forms of on-line news media, the media includes many journalists who are interested in the issues for families of children and young adults with a disability.

In attempting to convince government and the broader community of the need for improvements to services and support for our families, through our CEO Elizabeth McGarry, elizabethm@aafcd.org.au or 03 9818 2000, we are always available to assist the media with information.

In addition to input from representative organisations like ours, the media are generally very keen to hear from people and families directly affected by an issue.

If you ever feel inspired to contact the media about an issue that affects your family, we'd encourage you to let us know the details by contacting the AAFCD office on mail@aafcd.org.au or 1800 222 660 (freecall from anywhere in Australia ).

One form of media that can be influential in shaping public policy is the 'letters to the editor' and/or the in brief 'Your say' style comments sections published in newspapers. An example of the power of this from 2008 includes the flurry of input to newspapers from people and families who would have been affected by proposed cuts to the Carer Bonus Payments as described by a story in The Australian newspaper. Letters to the editor can be particularly effective in responding with a parent/family voice to news stories that have appeared in the paper.

Web and letters to the editor email links to metropolitan newspapers throughout Australia are listed below. There are also many important regional and local newspapers we haven't included here.

Media Links

National

ACT

NSW

QLD

Northern Territory

SA

Tasmania

Victoria

WA