Jim Simpson on LinkedIn: Fiona nails it as usual. “It’s all about respect.” (2025)

We were fortunate enough yesterday to host a morning with Chairs and Directors of Disability Service providers to discuss diversity around the Boardroom table. Laurie Leigh, Maura Boland, and Cain Beckett joined us to lead a conversation on how to find, engage and secure Directors living with a disability. The recent Royal Commission does not provide any clear recommendation on the best way of achieving diversity at the Board level or how best to get the voice of people with disabilities at the Board table. But we know it is critical to build trust, to understand the needs of clients strengthening an organization’s position and reputation in the market, and reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. We took the opportunity to launch a toolkit that we co-published with National Disability Services to help guide Boards who are interested in appointing leaders living with a disability providing tips, onboarding considerations and practical support.It was a very engaging and intimate discussion and key themes raised included:- the importance of focusing on Director capabilities first and checking in on the needs of all Directors to ensure they have all that they need to maximise their impact- the importance of language and the use of the word disability. We all need to be conscious of words having different meanings across different contexts. - not everybody will want to openly share their challenges and the needs they might have in a Boardroom scenario so we need to be clear on how we create a culture of inclusion. - the pipeline of talent is challenging for organisations who struggle to source new Directors. People for Purpose have spent the last 18 months turning Executive Search on its head, consciously addressing this and focusing on profiling leaders holistically understanding their capabilities, potential and needs. People for Purpose Laurie Leigh Cain Beckett FAICD Maura Boland National Disability Services Rachael McLennan Grace Atkinson Kelly Hoskin Lindy KingsfordContact us to hear more or access the toolkit here:

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People with disability have expressed their frustration, disappointment and anger over the Government response to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations released on Wednesday 31 July 2024.In many ways this is understandable given there was four and a half years of deeply personal and traumatic evidence given by people with disability reliving their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation, and it took almost 12 months for the Government to provide its response. See mymedia release. https://lnkd.in/gD3rQhdX At face value, the sum total of the 13 recommendations that have been accepted by the Government are largely mechanisms that are already being implemented and represent ‘business as usual’.Yet, contained within the 117 recommendations that have been accepted in principle, there are critical elements that can plant the seeds for transformative change.Governments have an opportunity for national and global leadership in addressing ableism, inequality, segregation and discrimination, and it is critical that this opportunity is not lost.Governments now need to work with people with disability through their representative organisations and the Australian Human Rights Commission on ensuring that those critical elements are accepted and integral to a transformative reform agenda.This is where I think there are key opportunities for strong leadership and reform:A strengthened regulatory framework through amendments to theDisability Discrimination Act 1992(DDA)A revitalised Human Rights Framework, including a national Human Rights Act to embed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in strong human rights protectionsImplementation across Australia of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT)A nationally consistent supported decision-making framework to facilitate personal autonomyMechanisms to end segregation in housing and employment, and a national roadmap for inclusive educationIts 15 years since the damningShut Outreport, and we still have default welfare and service responses to ableism, inequality, segregation, and discrimination.There needs to be a new narrative where human rights are integral to law, policy and practice. Shut Out - https://lnkd.in/gW6G4QA5The following attachments provide an insight into the CRPD and transformative change. https://lnkd.in/gmuWkdQBhttps://lnkd.in/gsUijhrT

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It's deeply disheartening to see the government's lackluster response to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations, especially after the extensive and harrowing testimonies from people with disabilities. The accepted recommendations seem to merely reinforce existing practices rather than drive the much-needed transformative change. However, the critical elements within the 117 recommendations accepted in principle offer a glimmer of hope for future progress. We must seize this opportunity for strong leadership and reform. Strengthening the Disability Discrimination Act, revitalizing the Human Rights Framework, implementing OPCAT nationwide, and establishing a consistent supported decision-making framework are crucial steps.It's time for a new narrative where human rights are integral to our laws, policies, and practices. We all deserve respect and a government that listens. My simple question is, what is the purpose of royal commissions, reviews, and inquiries if the government doesn't listen? Why does the government ask for 'consultation' if it doesn’t heed the advice given at ANY level. Unfortunately, the government narrative seems to focus on scaring the public with terms like ‘fraud’ and ‘waste’, portraying the sector as a burden on society rather than a vital social enterprise and a matter of human rights.The media should focus on the costs of these elements and political agenda, highlighting the games being played at the expense of those who need support the most. Just my opinion.

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I am looking forward to delivering the keynote at the Virtual Disability Conference next Wednesday 25 September, one year since the release of the Disability Royal Commission’s Final Report.The Conference theme, ‘New Frontiers’, inspires us to consider how the reform agenda can pave the way for a new default way of thinking where human rights are integral to law, policy and practice, and to lead the charge in this pursuit. The findings from the Disability Royal Commission highlight the urgent need to move away from default welfare and service responses to ableism, inequality, segregation, and discrimination. These responses perpetuate the view of disability as an individual deficit and lead to significant human rights violations. To address this, reform efforts must be refocused away from ‘fixing’ or removing barriers within existing systems, towards actively dismantling ableist power structures that legitimise segregation and prevent genuine change from occurring. This requires a new policy default and innovative approaches to achieve the vision for a truly inclusive Australia. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) provides the framework to realise this by reinforcing a conceptual shift in our understanding and response to disability, towards the goal of transformative equality underpinned by the human rights model of disability. The conference will open with Disability Royal Commissioner, Alastair McEwin who will provide his reflections on the Disability Royal Commission and its vision for an inclusive Australia.My keynote will focus on the CRPD, its relevance to the theme of ‘New Frontiers’, and how it provides a roadmap for social transformation that is the foundation for the reform of law, policy and practice.If you are interested in learning more, you can register for the Conference : https://lnkd.in/gr3Q22un The following links provide further insight into the CRPD and transformative change:https://lnkd.in/gmuWkdQBhttps://lnkd.in/gsUijhrThttps://lnkd.in/gsUijhrT

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Disability advocacy groups are struggling to survive on vanishing shoestring budgets and unreliable, inconsistent funding support. As a result, nearly every second person with a disability seeking advocacy and assistance is being turned away due to lack of availability, just as the system becomes more and more difficult to navigate. “Disability groups say federal budget funding cuts will leave them less able to support vulnerable Australians as the government rolls out widespread changes to services and supports.The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) says some of the groups it represents are on "life support" with their funding cut to $143,000 per organisation each year, which staff say is not enough to continue advocacy and education work”.AFDO NDIS advisor Mary Henley-Collopy states:“‘Last year's disability royal commission heard that unreliable, fluctuating funding to disability advocacy groups was leaving unmet demand and suggested funding be increased”.“‘I know the cost of living is really tough on everyone, and people with disabilities are included in that as well… no one is immune from the cost of living issues but when it starts hitting the grassroots organisations that do their best to support us it's just exhausting.’”Henley-Collopy said those at risk of redundancies are staff with disabilities."’That is frightening and if that doesn't make people angry, I don't know what will’”.“AFDO CEO Ross Joyce said the cuts appeared to indicate the work of disability groups was undervalued.AFDO contributed to the disability royal commission and the NDIS Review, both of which put forward recommendations to shape the sector.The government is due to respond formally to both.Mr Joyce said the funding cuts will limit the capacity to contribute to any changes”."’We're not just talking here about the NDIS, that's just one part of it, it's social services, it's across education, employment, transport, and others.’”“Meanwhile in a separate statement the Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the federal government understood the importance of supporting people with disability in defending their rights and seeking advice: “‘The Commonwealth has doubled systemic disability advocacy funding and extended targeted funding for Indigenous community advocates to ensure access in remote areas’”.#ndis #advocacy #disabilityrights #humanrights #ndisprovidershttps://lnkd.in/g_pF2Hsm

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tl;dr; menstruation and disability justice Smriti Irani's discriminatory comments on rights of menstruators as well as her interlinked comments on disability sparked a lot of conversation around menstrual leave but glossed over the remarks on disability. Some of our conversations after that also showed a hidden discomfort with the idea of disability, especially when it could potentially apply to us. If we look at different models of understanding disability and rights, a thread that emerges, and one that we agree with, is that disability is often socially constructed and a function of the environment a person occupies. It also speaks to how the world is designed for a certain default body and identity while any that differs from this norm is termed the other. Additionally, people are often classified and given rights, visibility and access basis on their ability to contribute to capitalistic productivity. Where does menstruation fall within this idea of disability? Honestly, I don't know. Having said that, menstruators function in a world designed for cis men that don't menstruate. Their bodily needs are acceptable only till they contribute to capitalism. Their bodies and needs are made not normal by their surrounding ecosystem that imposes a certain idea of normalcy and expects adherence to it. Can menstruation related needs then be a part of disability rights? Again, I don't know. When I ran some informal polls One Future Collective and spoke of this to a few people, the responses were mixed. It led me to think: Is there discomfort because we know how disabled people are treated? Is it because we've seen disabled folks only seen from a lens of pity and savior-ism but not from a rights based lens? Is it because we'd rather be the person "helping" a disabled person than be the disabled person ourselves?note: I am speaking of menstruation related pain, illness etc, not the general menstruation process. If this sparks a thought for you, please do share in comments below.

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Finally the Government has released its response to the Disability Royal Commission’s final report. However, we are relatively underwhelmed by the Government’s response, considering it has taken 10 months. Many of the initiatives outlined in the Government’s response were already underway before the release of the Disability Royal Commission’s final report. I do not see many new initiatives.We welcome the announcement of an additional $227.6 million to implement a new specialist disability employment program commencing on 1 July 2025. (A project that has been in the pipeline for over 4 years now ie not new.)Australian Disability Network also supports the Government’s response to support the transition of people with disability working in Australian Disability Enterprises to move to open, inclusive employment. We accept that this is a contentious and highly subjective area and comprehensive consultation, and engagement is needed, especially with employers. We also support the DRC’s recommendation that people with disability have the option to continue working in ADEs, with strong and appropriate safeguards, if that is their free and informed choice. However, we are frustrated and concerned by the lack of consultation with employers and a lack of commitment to the disability employment recommendations, which could eliminate the significant employment gap between people with disability and those without disability.We are also disappointed the government did not commit to a standalone minister and department for disability inclusion during this critical time for disability inclusion in Australia. Over four and half years the Disability Royal Commission heard harrowing accounts of abuse, neglect, and discrimination from almost 10,000 people. In its long-awaited response, there is evidence that the Government is still prevaricating about many of the recommendations and speaking to employers seems to be at the bottom of the list.

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The Victorian and Federal governments have released their responses to the 2023 Disability Royal Commission Final Report. While there are some encouraging commitments, Juno is disappointed that the Federal Government has fully accepted only 13 of the 222 recommendations, with Victoria having accepted 11. Most recommendations have been accepted only "in principle" or are still under consideration. It is disheartening that so many people gave so much of their time, lived experience expertise and emotional labour only to have it largely ignored. We share our concerns with other community organisations of the lack of clear timelines for implementing reforms, no national oversight body or council to oversee the implementation, or commitment to embed disability leadership through this process. Additionally, the Federal Government says it needs more time to consider a proposal to establish a Commonwealth Disability Rights Act. This is a missed opportunity to address systemic issues and create a more inclusive, rights-based framework for people with disabilities in Australia.We urge the government to create a clear action plan for addressing the remaining recommendations that have been accepted in principle or are under consideration.Access the Media Statement from Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations here: https://lnkd.in/gY2WV6u6. Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gHPEuZNJ

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An honour to be invited to the NSW Government First Nations Stakeholder Forum on the Disability Royal Commission, hosted by the Kate Washington - NSW Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Disability Inclusion, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and the Disability Council NSW.The ever insightful Dr Scott Avery spoke passionately about the much used term “intersectionality” and how this often equates to disaggregation for First Nations people with disability. The social model of disability, referred to by inspirational leader Damian Griffis of First Peoples Disability Network in his eloquent reflections, was revisited by Scott who highlighted that it is not the person who is vulnerable, but the system that makes them vulnerable. We too see this all too often. The nexus of structural racism (which is conflict driven) and structural ablism (where people aren’t even allowed in the room) needs to better understood.Deeply passionate Debbie Lee (King) spoke to a harrowing case study that highlighted the need for the Department to better understand and meet the needs of First Nations people, as well as the need to articulate and uphold the rights of First Nations people under the UN CRPD.Longstanding and respected advocate Prof Eileen Baldry AO spoke of the DRC hearing wide ranging stories of how the system is working against people with disability (including First Nations people), not for them. The knowledge garnered from storytelling sets this DRC apart and is integral to the way forward, together. The need for a disability justice strategy was recommended as necessary.The recommendations are underpinned by an overarching human rights paradigm, systemic, structural and social justice matters in the recommendations, with some recommendations that are disability and departmental specific.We hope to never see the need for a Disability Royal Commission again, with today’s forum a sage reminder of the need for both civil society to no longer sit on the sideline and work in partnership with government and most importantly people with disability to fundamentally transform our shared future.As Damian said, the door is open and our yarns must continue with all having an opportunity to speak.

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As a professional Advocate in the Disability sector, I am incredibly disappointed to hear about the recent changes by Whaikaha to Carer support. This morning on the National programme they spoke to Prudence Walker - the Disability Rights commissioner who basically stated that she was not informed, nor consulted with, on these changes. This is what many in the sector are also stating.Paula Tesoriero (CEO of Whaikaha) clearly outlined the reason for the changes stating several times that it is a "Pause", and managing the fiscal pressures for the ministry was constantly "challenging". I ask these questions: how long is this supposed 'pause', and when will the sector be adequately funded? And for those of us working in the sector, we know it has been underfunded for years, but what came through so incredibly clearly through the interview with Paula, was that the Disability sector is dangerously underfunded. On top of the 45,000 people already in need of disability support, around 5000 additional people each year need disability support, and only 2000 cease requiring support. So, an additional 3000 people require disability support each year, yet funding from the government has not increased. Added to this, is the constant increase in everyday expenses, which places additional stress on finances. Disabled people are continually struggling to meet their own needs, and families and Providers are struggling to meet the needs of those they support. Government need to understand that people with disabilities, along with their whanau and carers, are having heightened levels of stress and anxiety, which prevents them from having an acceptable quality of life. It is well known that Whaikaha do not use a suitable framework to estimate the actual level of funding required to support a person with a disability, so individuals and Providers work with what they have. What is also clear, is that disabled people (who are clearly disadvantaged in all areas of society), will yet again, just have to make do, and endure a much reduced quality of life because of a severe lack of investment. Therefore they will continue to be, the poor cousins in our society.

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