Submissions, Consultations and Forums s1

DARU Update 28 November 2011

 IN THE NEWS

 EVENTS

 PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

 TRAINING

 SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS

 PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

IN THE NEWS 2011 National Disability Awards Recognise Outstanding Achievements Joint Media Release with The Hon Wayne Swan, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, The Hon Julia Gillard Mp, Prime Minister, The Hon Jenny Macklin MP Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Senator The Hon Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, 22 November 2011

Nine outstanding individuals and organisations were honoured today for their work to improve the lives of people with disability at the annual National Disability Awards.

The National Disability Awards form part of the Australian Government's celebration of the United Nations' International Day of People with Disability which is held each year on 3 December.

2011 National Disability Awards Recipients  Prime Minister's Outstanding Achievement Award— Mr John Walsh AM - John served as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission in its Inquiry into long-term care and support for people with disability in Australia. He is a Partner in the Advisory Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers and in 2001 was named Actuary of the Year by the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. Mr Walsh was also a member of the Disability Investment Group, which recommended a national lifetime care and support scheme based on an insurance model.  Minister's Lifelong Achievement Award—Frank Hall-Bentick, Richmond, Vic - A tireless, grassroots campaigner for the rights of people with disability, Frank has contributed to improving human rights for people with disability for more than thirty years. Frank played a pivotal role in the development of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and successfully lobbied for its ratification in Australia in 2008. The Convention now forms the basis for Australian Government policy and program developments for people with disability.  Young Disability Challenge Award—Katrina Lancaster, Parramatta, NSW - Katrina was the recipient of the 2011 Parramatta Lord Mayor's Youth Award, completed a Bachelor of Community Welfare, and was named Deaf Australia's 2009 Deaf Youth of the Year for her work and volunteer commitments with the deaf community.  Business Award—Alcoa Aluminium Smelter, Geelong, Vic - Partnering with Kommercial, a local Australian Disability Enterprise, Alcoa Point Henry provides supported employment for more than 30 people with disability, and has teamed up with highly regarded children's program Rainbow Riders, an equine- assisted growth and learning centre.  Local Government Award—City of Mandurah, WA - The City of Mandurah is working closely with Intework to create exciting and rewarding jobs for 44 young people with intellectual disability in areas such as community equipment maintenance, environmental clean-up, gardening and repairs. They were recognised in the 2010 Count Us In Awards.  Social Inclusion Award—Technical Aid to the Disabled Incorporated, ACT - TADACT is a not-for-profit organisation, which specialises in creating or modifying equipment for people with disability, including a Kinetic Stander, which won the 2010 Australian Institute of Project Management Award in the not-for- profit category within the ACT.  Inclusive and Accessible Communities Award—Housing Choices Australia, Melbourne, Vic - Housing Choices Australia has delivered more social housing over the past two years than any other community housing provider in Victoria, including 100 high-quality units for people with disability.  Health and Wellbeing Award—Parks Victoria, Melbourne, Vic - Parks Victoria has actively embraced universal design and access principles, including introducing all-terrain wheelchair equipment in some parks and a Sailability program. Parks Victoria has also developed an accessibility guide for park rangers and grants to community organisations to help improve visitation and participation.  Yooralla Media Award for Excellence—Nance Haxton, Ethelton, SA - Nance is seen as one of Australia's most lauded radio journalists. The judges noted her relentless, powerful and timely coverage of people with an intellectual disability, and commended her work as an important contribution to the advancement of disability rights.

Congratulations Frank on receiving the Minister's Lifelong Achievement Award. Great to see your tireless work as a disability advocate has been formally acknowledged.

From all at DARU

Crackdown on the Disability Support Pension Passes Pro-Bono News, 23 November 2011

The Gillard Government’s controversial changes to the Social Security Act – which includes changes to the Impairment Tables used to determine eligibility for the Disability Support Pension - have passed through Parliament.

With the legislation passing through the Senate with coalition backing, people who apply for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) from the 1st January 2012 will be assessed under the new Impairment Tables.

The Impairment Tables are used in Disability Support Pension assessments to measure how a person's impairment affects their ability to work, and were last reviewed in 1993.

The government unveiled its plan to get people off the Disability Support Pension and into the workforce in July, revealing that the number of people receiving the DSP had reached 800,000, growing by 100,000 over the last 2 years alone. The changes to the Impairment Tables are estimated to save the government $35 million a year.

The Gillard Government said the legislation will ensure the Impairment tables “are able to be updated regularly and enable the introduction of new Tables that are consistent with modern medical and rehabilitation practice.” The Gillard government said the new tables “focus on what people are able to do, rather than what they can’t do”, however this has not stopped criticism of the changes.

The Greens say the government and coalition have united in supporting changes to the Social Security Act that are likely to lead to deeply unjust outcomes for vulnerable people. Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said her party supports efforts to assist people into the workforce, however the changes will push large numbers of people with disabilities onto the Newstart allowance, a payment which is $131 a week below the DSP.

It has been estimated that as many as four out of every ten people who qualified for the Disability Support Pension earlier this year would not qualify under the new regime which is set to come into effect in 2012.

“As well as less financial assistance, people will be forced to meet stricter activity requirements in a deeply inhospitable labour market,” Siewert said. The Greens said that the Government should be helping people to overcome the obstacles they face to participation or finding work- including a lack of child care and poor access to public transport – instead of focusing on punitive measures.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2011/11/%E2%80%98crac kdown%E2%80%99-disability-support-pension-passes? utm_source=Pro+Bono+Australia+- +email+updates&utm_campaign=40d5098dc8- Thursday_News_Service_24_November11_24_2011&utm_medium= email

Updated Disability Support Pension Impairment Tables Media Release, The Hone Jenny Macklin MP. Minister for Family, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, 21 November 2011

The Impairment Tables used to assess people’s eligibility for the Disability Support Pension will be able to be updated for the first time in more than ten years, as a result of legislation passed through Parliament today.

People who apply for the Disability Support Pension from the 1st January 2012 will be assessed under the new Impairment Tables. The legislation will ensure the Impairment Tables are able to be updated regularly and enable the introduction of new Tables that are consistent with modern medical and rehabilitation practice. The Impairment Tables are used in Disability Support Pension assessments to measure how a person's impairment affects their ability to work.

They were last reviewed in 1993 and contain anomalies and inconsistencies which have distorted the assessment process. For example, when hearing impairment is assessed, a person with a hearing aid is not required to wear it but someone who is having their sight impairment assessed must wear their glasses.

An Advisory Committee consisting of medical, allied health and rehabilitation experts, representatives of people with disability, mental health advocates and relevant Government agencies was established in April 2010. Following a thorough review and extensive consultation, the Advisory Committee found the current Impairment Tables are longer consistent with contemporary medical and rehabilitation practice, and recommended new Impairment Tables.

The Government has been continuing to consult with disability stakeholders and medical experts to ensure the recommended new Tables are implemented fairly and effectively from 1 January next year. The new Impairment Tables focus on what people are able to do, rather than what they can’t do.

From 1 July 2012 we are introducing a range of reforms to encourage greater participation by DSP recipients.  Introduce new participation requirements for disability support pensioners under the age of 35 with some capacity to work to build their capacity  Provide more generous rules for existing disability pensioners to encourage them to work more hours  Support employers to take on more disability pensioners through new financial incentives

The Advisory Committee’s review of the Disability Support Pension Impairment Tables and recommended new Tables can be viewed at: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/payments/Pages/dsp_impairm ent_tables.aspx

To read the full media release, visit: http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/pages/u pdated_disability_support_pension_tables_21nov11.aspx

Sex Assault Silence Leads to Eastern Health Probe The Age, Richard Baker and Nick McKenzie, 22 November 2011t

Victoria’s Mental Health Minister, Mary Wooldridge, has asked her department to investigate Eastern Health's handling of a series of sexual assault complaints that former psychiatric patients allege have been covered up.

Health Services Commissioner Beth Wilson also yesterday urged mental health patients with concerns about Eastern Health's response to complaints of sexual assault to contact her office.

The Age has recently reported several cases involving female mental health patients who have reported being raped or sexually assaulted while under the care of Eastern Health and its Maroondah psychiatric unit.

The former patients have claimed they were pressured by Eastern Health staff to forget about the alleged incidents, including one where a male nurse was accused of sexually harassing a young woman under his care.

In some cases examined by The Age, police were not called and the parents of a teenage girl who was sexually interfered with while admitted to an Eastern Health facility were not notified.

A spokesman for Ms Wooldridge last night told The Age the Department of Health had been asked to examine the specific circumstances of the cases reported by The Age.

Eastern Health has denied it has a problem with managing sexual assault complaints from psychiatric patients.

But Ms Wilson said patients with mental illnesses were ''especially vulnerable and require special protection''.

As Health Services Commissioner, Ms Wilson is empowered by legislation to investigate patient complaints about health services and to provide policy advice. Asked if an investigation into Eastern Health's handling of sexual assault complaints from psychiatric patients was required, she said: ''I would be in a better position to answer this question if I had direct contact with patients who have made the reports.

''I understand the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist is following up some issues and practices at Eastern Health. If any patients or their carers want to contact my office I encourage them to do so.''

Victoria's Public Advocate, Colleen Pearce, said she had concerns about the lack of safety for women in mixed-sex adult acute psychiatric wards.

To read this story online, visit: http://www.theage.com.au/national/sex-assault-silence-leads-to- eastern-health-probe-20111121-1nqx9.html#ixzz1eTdOQVN4

EVENTS

Remember that all events included in the DARU Update also appear in the DARU online Events Calendar at: http://www.daru.org.au/ecalendar/calendar/index.chtml

Disability Advocacy Conference 2012: You Be The Judge – Earlybird Tickets Now Open

When: Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 March 2012 Where: Melbourne Park Conference Centre, Batman Ave, Melbourne Register: Online tickets now available at: http://youbethejudge.eventbrite.com/ Cost: Earlybird registrations are open until December 31 so get in early to receive a 10% discount. Earlybird rates are:  Advocate (includes carers and community sector workers) - $225.00  Corporate/Government (includes workers from public or private sector organisation) - $360.00  Concession (must be DSP recipient) - $60-00. DARU, SARU and VDAN are hosting this conference that is bringing together local, national and international experts from the disability and legal fields.

The program is still evolving but we can confirm the following speakers:  Johnny Crescendo, Disability Advocate, Musician, Comedian (UK & USA)  Ian Grey, Chief Magistrate  Cindy Johns, National Manager, People First (New Zealand)  Michael Aldridge, National Chair, People First (New Zealand)

This conference provides a great opportunity to consider the effects some of the new legislation could potentially have on people with disabilities. This includes the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the new Guardianship laws.

The conference is for anyone who undertakes advocacy in their working or personal lives. This includes disability advocates, self advocates, people with disability, legal workers, government and non government officers, community workers and allied health professionals.

For more information, contact DARU on 03 9639 5807 or email [email protected]

4 th National Disability Advocacy Conference - Advocating for Inclusion

When: 30 April - 1 May 2012 Where: Canberra Rex Hotel, Canberra ACT Register: Download a registration form at: http://www.daru.org.au/ecalendar/items/2011/11/392653- upload-00001.docx

The DANA 4th National Disability Advocacy Conference will seek to build advocacy momentum and strategies for achieving community living and full inclusion for people with disabilities in particular by engaging with the National Disability Strategy, the UNCRPD, the NDIS, and other relevant government policy initiatives.

We will do this by asking some critical questions:  What is the current policy and political context?  What are people with disabilities experiencing?  What would we like to see happening?  What can we do as advocates and organizations, as individuals and collectively to get from where we are now to where we want to be?

Dr Christie Lynch from Ireland has been engaged as a Keynote speaker and other possibilities are being explored. Dr Christy Lynch is nationally and internationally recognised for his pioneering work in achieving integrated employment for individuals with a disability. He founded the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE) and was founder member and first President of the European Union of Supported Employment (EUSE).

DANA members and supporters are invited to participate in the development of the Conference Program for one of the six themes by contacting the person listed under the theme of their choice. Three themes will feature on the first day of the Conference and the other three on the second. All will include a mix of presentation, inspiration and facilitated discussion of the issues and strategies. The six themes are:  A place to call home - Contact Catherine Hogan: phone 02 9869 0866 or email [email protected]  Participation in family life (including as a parent) - Contact Christina Ryan: ph 02 6257 4005 or email [email protected]  Participation in social, cultural and recreational life - Contact David Craig ph 0422 516 245 or email [email protected]  Participation in education and life-long learning - Contact Elizabeth McGarry ph 03 9818 2000 or email [email protected]  Participation in employment - Contact Mary Mallett ph 03 6231 2344 or email [email protected]  Equal rights and justice - Contact Kevin Stone 03 9416 4003 or email [email protected]

The Conference Dinner will be held on Monday 30 April 2012 in the Grand Ballroom at the Conference venue.

Some budget accommodation is available at the Conference venue. Please make your own accommodation arrangements but mention DANA to access the rooms reserved for DANA Conference participants.

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES Inquiry into Access to and Interaction with the Justice System by People with an Intellectual Disability and their Families and Carers

Submissions have now closed. Submissions that have been accepted by the Law Reform Committee are now available on their website at: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lawreform/article/1462

Best Practice in Community Residential Units

On 1 July 2010, OPA invited staff and Community Visitors to attend a meeting about community residential units (CRU’s). The purpose of this meeting was to gather information that could be used by Reinforce’s working group on ‘Best Practice in CRUs’.

A summary of the discussions at this meeting is contained in a document now available on the OPA website at: http://www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/file/file/Research/Forums/2011/I nsights_into_CRUs_1111.pdf

Speaking Our Minds: A Guide to How we Use our Stories

This is a brand new resource from Our Consumer Place, written entirely by people who are mental health consumers.

The people who have contributed to this booklet have years of experience sharing their stories in various contexts with friends, workmates, teaching mental health professionals from a consumer perspective, speaking to the media or speaking at public forums. This booklet is designed to support consumers getting the most out of these opportunities, without too great a cost to themselves.

This booklet is free to download at: http://www.ourconsumerplace.com.au/article?id=4681 TRAINING Equal Opportunity Act 2010 Implementation: Putting the Positive Duty into Practice

When: Thursday 8 December, 1:00pm - 4.30pm Register: Phone (03) 9032 3415 to enrol Cost: $308 ($77 for volunteers, advocates and community organisations)

This workshop is recommended for organisations already familiar with the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 and wanting to know how to comply with the new 2010 Act. Participation in the Equal Opportunity Act 2010: Briefing session is not a pre-requisite for attendance as an overview of the changes to the legislation is covered in this workshop.

The workshop will:  Outline the key changes to the equal opportunity legislation  Consider the practical implications of the new positive duty on organisations  Examine the requirements for action plans  Explore the new tools available to help organisations achieve best practice.

For more information, visit the Human rights and Equal Opportunity training calendar at: http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php? option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1267&Itemid=814

SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS DARU Survey 2011

Every two years DARU undertakes an extensive evaluation process to ensure it is:  responding to the needs of the Disability Advocacy sector  supporting organisations providing advocacy to the disability sector  improving advocacy practice  identifying what else it could be doing

To ensure we meet the needs of the whole sector please take the time to complete the survey. Your responses will be treated confidentially. Collectively the results will assist DARU in determining what work it will undertake in 2012 -2013.

The survey should only take approximately 15 minutes to complete. To begin click on the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JPK7BQW

Please complete the survey by Friday December 2nd.

If you have any queries please email [email protected] or phone Sharon and Natasha in the DARU office on 03 9639 5807

Disability Vilification Discussion

Changing the Law to Prevent the Humiliation and Intimidation of People with DisabilitiesiIn Public, the Media, Film, Television and Radio.

When: Friday 9 December 2011, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Light refreshments provided Where: Ross House 247-251 Flinders Lane Melbourne Register: RSVP by Friday 2 December by phoning 03 9654 8644.

The Disability Discrimination Legal Service (DDLS) is conducting a law reform project on developing disability vilification laws to prevent the humiliation, ridicule, insult or intimidation of people with disabilities in public.

As a means of gathering the experiences of people with disabilities, their carers and people who work with people with disability the Disability Discrimination Legal Service will conduct a discussion about disability vilification. The discussion will be held in a safe confidential environment and be facilitated by Disability Discrimination Legal Service staff.

A survey has been developed for those who would like to participate but are not able to attend the discussion. To obtain a copy of the survey, or for more information, contact Adam Jones, Law Reform Worker, Disability Discrimination Legal Service, on phone 9654 8644 or email [email protected]

Consultation Begins on Regulation of Community Housing Sector

Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib welcomed the launch of public consultation on a national regulatory system for community housing providers.

The consultation follows June’s agreement by Australia’s Housing Ministers to introduce nationally consistent regulatory arrangements to promote the growth of the community housing sector nationally.

“The aim of a national regulatory system for non-government housing providers is to attract private sector investment to community housing providers to help them deliver more housing,” Senator Arbib said.

“This is an important element in meeting the increasing levels of unmet need in affordable housing.

“Regulating community housing providers on a national level will help to protect vulnerable tenants, attract more funding to the sector, and enhance investor confidence.

“These three factors are critical to securing the future of community housing and helping the sector to grow.”

Senator Arbib said a national approach to regulation sought to overcome the barriers, gaps and inconsistencies that have arisen through each state and territory regulating community housing providers.

“I encourage all stakeholders to actively engage in the consultation process – your views are central to progressing this key housing reform,” Senator Arbib said.

Following the consultation, a final proposal will be presented to Housing Ministers. The national regulatory system is expected to be in place by 2013.

For more information about the consultation, including online feedback and submissions visit: http://www.nrsch.gov.au/ New Research to Look at the Experiences Of Students with Disability in Victorian Schools - Have Your Say!

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is conducting research into the experiences of students with disability in Victorian schools.

This follows an increase in complaints to the Commission relating to disability discrimination in education, and concerns raised by parents of children with a disability, disability advocacy groups and members of the Commission’s Disability Reference Group about the provision of education services to students with a disability.

The purpose of the Commission’s research is to gather information about the issues and challenges experienced by students with disability in the Victorian school system and to identify potential solutions, consistent with Victoria’s equal opportunity and human rights framework, to improve access to education for students with disability.

The Commission is keen to hear from students, parents and educators about what works and what could be improved when it comes to the education of students with disability in Victoria. There are several ways you can have your say:  If you are a student with disability, parent of a student with disability, a principal or teacher or you work in a Victorian school, you can complete a confidential online survey available at: http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php? optio=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1541&Itemid=7  If you work in a community organisation or otherwise provide support to families, children and young people with disability, tell us your views by sending an email which will be treated as a written submission to our research. The email address is: [email protected]  Call 1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583. Lines are open on Saturday 3 December from 10am to 4pm. If you need an interpreter, you can call the Commission using the interpreter service on 1300 152 494 or TTY at 1300 289 621.  Come to one of our ‘have a say’ days in regional Victoria which will be held in February 2012. More details will be available soon. If these options are not convenient, please feel free to tell us your story by sending us an email to [email protected]

In participating in the research, you will be providing your consent on the basis that your information will be kept private. No individual, family or student will be identified in the research.

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS Policy & Development Officer Position at ACOSS

 Are you committed to creating a fairer society for everyone?  Interested in working with a passionate and enthusiastic team to advocate for social justice?  Do you have skills in policy analysis and capacity building?

The position provides the successful candidate an opportunity to engage with social policy issues, and work directly with community organisations to improve their capacity. Responsibilities include a broad and engaging workload, and interaction with diverse communities, allowing you to work with people from different backgrounds and circumstances.

ACTCOSS has above-award pay and conditions as part of the ACT community sector multiple enterprise agreement. ACTCOSS welcomes and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and from candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experience.

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 7 December 2011.

To download the Selection Criteria and details on how to apply, visit: http://www.actcoss.org.au/

For more information, contact ACTCOSS on (02) 6202 7200 or email [email protected]

Metro Access Project Officer

 Temporary Full Time (until January 2013)  $64,634 pa plus superannuation

Do you have a commitment to maximising access to services for all abilities? Do you have experience in community development, community inclusion and community planning strategies?

Then consider this exciting opportunity within our Aged & Disability Services department. We are looking for a suitably skilled and qualified person to work towards strengthening and enhancing the capacity of the Wyndham community to support people with disabilities.

This position will facilitate integrated local community planning, coordination and improved access for people with disabilities and their families, disability service providers and community organisations.

To be successful in this role you will possess a Tertiary qualification in Social Sciences, Disability or Community development or lesser formal qualifications and substantial experience in the development and implementation of community based programs and projects.

To download the position description visit http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/careers/vacancies/metroaccprojoffno v2011

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 5 December 2011.

Only people with the relevant right to work in Australia may apply.

For more information, contact Priscilla Mayne on phone (03) 9742 0925 or mail [email protected]

Disability Access Project Officer

 Contract position  Position commencing January 2012  12 month 3 day a week position

The Womens Domestic Violence Crisis Service (WDVCS) has been successful in obtaining a grant from the Victorian Women’s Trust to employ a project worker to develop and implement a Disability Action Plan to address existing discriminatory policies within the family violence service system and implement a system that ensures equal access for all women. What is being proposed is a ground-breaking strategy for structural change within family violence services in how we respond to women with disabilities who experience violence.

This exciting position will be working closely with both internal staff and key external stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to make significant, sustainable change to the family violence sector. Knowledge of the disability sector would be highly valued.

To download the position description, visit: http://www.jobseeker.org.au/employment/items/2011/11/391799- upload-00001.doc

Closing date is 28 November 2011.

For more information, contactYvonne Lay on phone 03 9928 9610 or email [email protected]

Welcome to the weekly Update from the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU). If you would like to be removed from this list or kept up to date another way, please reply to this email and let us know.

DARU has been funded by the state government. It is run by a governance group, including members of the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN), and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co- ordinator, Sharon Granek, and an Administration Officer, Natasha Brake.

We are always happy to hear from people who are interested in what we do. If you have a question, an idea, some news you’d like to see in the next update, or even if you just want to tell us something we’re doing is good or bad, get in touch! Call us on 03 9639 5807 or email [email protected].

Please note that material contained in the DARU Update copy does not necessarily reflect the policy of DARU or the views of any staff members. Statements in the DARU Update do not comprise advice and readers should avail themselves of professional advice where appropriate.