Barry MacKinnon appointed chairman of Disability Services Commission

24/12/94

Business management consultant Barry MacKinnon has been appointed to the position of Disability Services Commission Board chairman following the retirement of former chairman Ray Young.

Disability Services Minister Kevin Minson said today Mr MacKinnon had been appointed for a two-year term.

The Minister commended Mr Young on an outstanding performance during his time as chairman.

"Mr Young has been involved in the care of people with disabilities for more than 20 years.  He was also chairman of the Authority for Intellectually Handicapped Persons since the year of its inception and the chairman of the Transition Planning Committee for Disability Services," Mr Minson said.

"He believes that the commission is a catalyst for great improvements in the services available for people with disabilities.

"His wide experience and expert input to the board during his time as chairman was of immense value and I wish him well in the future."

Mr Minson said Mr MacKinnon also brought a wealth of experience to the board.

"Mr MacKinnon has been a strong advocate for adequate opportunities for people with disabilities in education," he said.

"He has a son with a hearing disability and has taken an active interest in this area for many years.  He is the chairman of Parents United to Support Hearing Impaired Children, the patron of the Western Australian branch of Better Hearing Australia and chairman of the WA Deafness Council.

"I am delighted he has accepted the position and I look forward to working with him in this capacity."

Mr MacKinnon is an accountant and a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for the seats of Murdoch, then Jandakot, during a political career spanning 16 years.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy  222 9595