NEWSLETTER

September 2015“To stand with and for vulnerable people with a disability through vigorous independent advocacy.”

Malcolm Turnbull’s new ministry: People withdisabilities risk losing their ‘voice’ with loss ofdedicated portfolio

Jane Lee | Sydney Morning Herald | 21 Sep 2015

Christian who? Introducing the new Social ServicesMinisterPeople with disabilities risk losing their voice in Parliamentas a result of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's decision toremove a dedicated disabilities portfolio from his cabinet,advocates say.

Mr Turnbull has shaken up the responsibilities for socialservices, promoting Senator Mitch Fifield - who wasformerly an assistant minister responsible for disabilitiesand the aged care system – to become theCommunications and Arts Minister. Mr Fifield was alsoresponsible for overseeing the roll-out of the NationalDisabilities Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Christian Porter, who was sworn in as the new SocialServices Minister on Monday, will now oversee disabilitiesand the NDIS among a broader range of responsibilities,including social welfare. The former Western Australianattorney-general and treasurer is understood to be lesswell-known to the disability sector than Mr Fifield, whospent three years as shadow minister for disabilities beforehe became a minister.

Continued over

Photo: Andrew Meares

In This IssueChairperson’s ReportError! Bookmarknot defined.

Advocacy Manager’s Report ................ 2

Upcoming Events................................. 4

IAT - A Brief History ............................. 6

Support IAT ......................................... 6

Funding................................................ 6

General News...................................... 6

N D I S Update................................... 10

Reports .............................................. 11

Useful Resources .............................. 12

Management Committee.................... 13

Staff ................................................... 13

Nothing about us without us!.............. 13

Independent Advocacy Townsville Office

2/179-181 Ross River RoadMUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812

PO Box 3067 HERMIT PARK QLD 4812

Phone: 1800 887 68807) 47 252 505

Fax: 07) 47 256 106E-mail: admin@iat.org.au

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1 Christian Porter is sworn in as Minister for Social Services by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove at Government House in Canberra on Monday.

admin@iat.org.au

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 2

from page one

President of People with Disabilities Australia, Craig Wallace, said there was a "real loss of voice"for such people since Graeme Innes wasn't replaced by a full-time disability discriminationcommissioner when left the Human Rights Commission last year.

A dedicated minister was needed to focus on issues specific to people with disabilities,including higher levels of unemployment and the decline in the number of carers availablefor informal support: "There is always a long queue to see any minister. The fact is that queue isgoing to be a lot longer." The change comes as the legislation underpinning the NDIS is beingreviewed, including whether it needs to be changed to ensure it can "control costs". Mr Turnbulllast week signed bilateral agreements with Victoria and NSW to ensure the scheme was rolled out,which advocates saw as a sign the scheme was still a priority for his government.

Mr Innes, now a chairman for disability group Attitude Foundation, said Mr Fifield had "workedhard" to ensure the scheme was adequately funded in his time in the portfolio. "It will be harder towind back costs now because there'll be federal and state commitments locked in but the fact thatthe review is considering questions (of costs show) that it is still risk."

"Social services is a huge portfolio and without in any way doubting (Mr) Porter's capacity…it'sinevitably going to lose some focus and that's disappointing," Mr Innes said. While a minister wasnot required to represent the disability community directly, he or she played a key role inadvocating on their unique issues in Parliament.

It meant people with disabilities would rely far more on advocacy services, many of which had seentheir funding cut earlier this year under former social services minister Scott Morrison, includingBlind Citizens Australia, Deaf Australia and Down Syndrome Australia.

Mary Mallett, chief executive of the Disability Advocacy Network Australia, said the move couldalso be an opportunity for disability issues to be paid significant attention within a senior cabinetportfolio, rather than deflected to a junior minister.

Mr Porter told ABC on Monday that disability services, aged care and the NDIS would be amonghis portfolio responsibilities, while childcare would be removed. "So I think it's safe to say there willbe a minister (for disabilities)," he said. "I think people can be absolutely assured that disabilities isgoing to have front and centre care inside portfolios."

Advocacy Manager’s ReportHI to all our valued members!

Independent Advocacy Townsville is moving into that time of the year when we need you, ourMembers to attend our AGM! We have had to farewell some longstanding members of ourManagement Committee who have moved into new and exciting phases of their own lives. Haveyou considered how you might assist Independent Advocacy move into the future of the NDIS?

Recently we advertised for the position of our Business Development Officer who will assist us inplanning how to move forward in terms of building up our Fee for Service arm of our Organisationwith the specific purpose of funding our Advocacy work so we might not have to be at the whim ofGovernment Funding!

Update on the early launch of the NDIS in Queensland and the Bilateral Agreement:

The Queensland Government is committed to an early 2016 launch of the National DisabilityInsurance Scheme (NDIS) ahead of the formal transition starting from July 2016, subject toCommonwealth Government agreement. Their commitment is demonstrated through an additional$1.9 million allocated to the early launch in the 2015-16 State Budget.

The Queensland Government is also continuing to negotiate with the Commonwealth Governmentto finalise the Bilateral Agreement for Queensland’s transition to the NDIS. This importantagreement will provide vital information about when people will be moving to the NDIS over thethree year period from July 2016.

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The main issue is fair and equitable access to the Medicare levy that Queensland tax payers havebeen paying since 1 July 2014. Not having fair and equitable access to the Medicare levy has asignificant impact on the NDIS phasing schedule in Queensland. Under the current proposal by theCommonwealth Government, approximately 65,000 of the expected 97,000 people with disabilitywill transition to the NDIS in the third year.

As some of you may be aware IAT has a very long waiting list at present, showing us just howmuch the need for independent advocacy has grown. We have even had to turn people away whoneed our help. This was not an easy decision to make, but we saw little sense in acceptingreferrals when we had no chance to address the issues. We always make sure we refer thesepeople to other organisations that may be able to help. We are also confident that those whoattended our self-advocacy education workshops may now be in a position to advocate forthemselves.

Please remember that it is your support, as valued members of IAT that assists us to do the workthat we do. Please do contribute by attending the upcoming AGM as well as let us know what youmay like to see in future newsletters.

Have you considered a position on the Management Committee? Do you have skills andexperiences that may assist us?

Kia oraKylie-maree BellerAdvocacy Manager

Wine and Cheese Evening – Recruitment Drive

IAT held a Wine and Cheese evening on Friday 11th September to recruit new members for ourManagement Committee. People who had shown an interest were invited to attend our offices,partake in refreshments and learn a little more about what IAT does and why we need ourCommunity’s support.

This was well attended and we hope to have these interested people submit a formal application tojoin our Management Committee.

NDIS New World: Disability in the 21st Century Conference and Trade Show

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is proud to host NDIS New World: Disability in the21st Century Conference and Trade Show to be held at the Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centrefrom 27-29 October 2015.

This conference will focus on the interface between technology and disability services, and it will be adynamic exchange between people with disability, technology experts, entrepreneurs, policy makers andservice providers, along with an exhibition and trade show and national and international speakers. Theprogram is now available at http://www.ndisconference.com/program.php, which includes:

The Hon. Mitch Fifield, Assistant Minister for Social Services, Mr Robert Sinclair, Chief AccessibilityOfficer, Microsoft and Dr Jeffery Cole, Director of the Centre for the Digital Future, University of SouthernCalifornia.

Find out more on the New World: Disability in the 21st

Century website athttp://www.ndisconference.com/index.php. Online registration closes on 23 October 2015.

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 4

Upcoming Events

You're invited.Please join with us to celebrate Mental Health Week with keynote speaker Peter Sterling and special guest

Murray Hurst. The Mental Health Week Business Breakfast will be held at Mercure Townsville on Thursday

8th October 2015. Tickets are $55 each and include entry, breakfast, coffee, tea and juice. Doors open at

7am for a 7.15am start. We'll be concluded by 9am. Tickets can be purchased via Townsville Tickets.

http://townsvilletickets.com.au/event/mental-health-week-business-breakfast-with-peter-sterling-and-murray-

hurst-1808

FREE SPECIAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES “COME AND TRY” CLINIC

On Tuesday the 20th of October NRL Development Officers are looking to hold a FREE SpecialNeeds and Disabilities ‘Come and Try clinic’ at 5pm-6pm with the location to be announced(PLACE TBA) .This clinic is about learning how to play Rugby League through fun games, exercising and meetingnew people . There will be great giveaways and Cowboys NRL staff will be in attendance.

All ages welcome | All Special Needs and Disabilities welcomeTyson MuscatGame Development Officer - Northern DivisionM: +61 402 892 833 | E: tmuscat@nrl.com.auNational Rugby League Limited (http://www.playnrl.com)Mackay Stadium, 2 Casey Ave, Mackay QLD 4740 | PO Box 2005, Mackay, QLD 4740

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 5

You are cordially invited to

IAT’s

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Friday 9th October 2015

12.30pm to 2.30pm

will be held at the

Please attend and show your support

Annandale Community Centre

Annandale Shopping Centre

67-101 MacArthur Drive

Annandale

Commencing at 12.30pm with tea, and coffee andlight refreshments on arrival

An attending carer will be available

RSVP: by Friday 2nd October 2015

Ph: (07) 4725 2505

Email: admin@iat.org.au

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 6

IAT - A Brief HistoryIAT has been incorporated for over two decades, providing advocacy support and high qualityservices to people with disabilities in the Townsville and surrounding districts. Covering rural andregional areas from the Cassowary Coast in the north, east to Palm Island, south to the Burdekin, andwest to Hughenden.

IAT is located opposite the Cathedral School, in Mundingburra. We have two Advocates andcontinue to offer advocacy support to vulnerable individuals. We also provide information to family,friends and other community members. We continue to stand for people’s rights and freedoms.

We also provide information sessions and presentations to answer any queries and welcome anyquestions relating to providing an information session about Independent Advoca cy Townsville.

As economic and political situations change we are maintaining a positive outlook and continue tosupport people with disabilities during the introductory phase of new schemes and other changeswithin the sector.

IAT’s advocacy speaks, acts and writes with minimum conflict of interest by standing with, and forpeople with disability to promote, protect and defend their welfare, rights and justice by: being ontheir side and no-one else’s, without jeopardy to the most vulnerable being primarily concernedwith their fundamental needs: and remaining loyal and accountable to them in a way which isemphatic and vigorous and which requires the bearing of costs by the advocate or advocacygroup.

Support IATYou can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people with disability by financiallysupporting IAT to make sure our advocacy efforts continue in the future. All donations over $2.00are tax deductible. All gifts are also welcome.

You can choose to make a one off donation or a recurrent donation.

Alternatively, for further details about supporting IAT contact us on (07) 47252505

FundingSupported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.aufor more information.

Supported by Queensland Health. Go to www.health.qld.gov.au for more information.

Supported by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.Go to www.communities.qld.gov.au for more information.

General News

Disability Abuse Royal Commission Calls Get LouderBy Xavier Smerdon | Pro Bono Australia | 17 Sept 2015

The Turnbull Government has said that the state governmentsshould “take the lead” on investigating incidences of abuseagainst people with disability rather than a Royal Commissioninto the issue be set up.

Disability advocates have been calling for a Royal Commission intothe violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability ininstitutional and residential settings following evidence that hasbeen presented at Senate Inquiry into the issue. They argue that

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 7

Image: Senator Fifield

the Senate’s investigations are only revealing a fraction of the systemic levels of abuse that arehappening in Australia. But this week Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield,told Pro Bono Australia News that the current investigation was doing its job. –

“Abuse of people with disability is completely unacceptable, and the Senate Inquiry and otherprocesses are shining a light on this important issue,” Senator Fifield said.

“The Senate Committee is due to report on 11 November, and the Commonwealth will carefullyconsider the inquiry’s findings.”

Senator Fifield said that the recommendations of the Senate Inquirywould be an important input into the development of a nationallyconsistent quality and safeguarding framework for the National DisabilityInsurance Scheme.

Senator Fifield said that the recommendations of the Senate Inquirywould be an important input into the development of a nationallyconsistent quality and safeguarding framework for the National DisabilityInsurance Scheme.

“As is the case with the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Abuse inDisability Services, it is appropriate for state governments to take thelead on investigating incidences of abuse within state service providers,”he said. “The findings and recommendations of these relatedinvestigations will also be important inputs to the NDIS quality andsafeguarding framework.”

Earlier this month Chair of the Senate Inquiry, Senator Rachel Siewert, wrote that it was not doingenough to uncover “horrifying” accounts of abuse. (view full story athttp://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2015/09/accounts-disability-abuse-%E2%80%98horrifying%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-senator)

Co-CEO of People With Disability Australia, Therese Sands, told Pro Bono Australia News thatvictims of abuse deserved a Royal Commission so they could properly access justice and redress.

“What we’ve seen through the current Senate Inquiry is numerous stories and testimonies beingput forward, sometimes by people themselves with the support of organisations such as theAustralian Cross Disability Alliance or other advocacy organisations, but often people with disabilityin institutions and residential settings rarely have their stories told and have not had a voice at all inthis topic,” Sands said.

“A Royal Commission is about justice for people with disability. It’s a way to acknowledge that thisis such a significant issue and I just think we can’t ignore the incidents and prevalence of this issueanymore.

“It’s not just an issue within disability service settings, it’s in schools, it’s in prisons, it’s in mentalhealth facilities, it’s in supported accommodation, juvenile justice facilities, aged care, out of homecare, a whole range of areas, and many of these stories are now gradually coming out in variousreports.

“Just looking at what safeguards in the systems we might require, while that is important, it actuallydoesn’t address the justice element for people with disability to feel acknowledged, to feel they’vehad their story told.”

Sands said a Royal Commission was needed as it would have the power to compel witnesses,including governments, to appear.

She said without the wider community was failing disabled Australians by not giving them adequateaccess to justice.

“I think we are failing them. I think we’re not recognising the broad, sustained, prevalent nature ofthis situation for people with disability,” she said.

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 8

“The powers of a Royal Commission means that they have the authority and they have the powersto interrogate a whole range of service systems and they can also bring together experts toexamine the systems that underpin these service systems, these institutional and residentialsettings.

“What we’re doing (with a Senate Inquiry) is we’re shining a light in a tiny area to uncover specificincidences and we are ignoring that this problem is significant, it is huge, and we don’t need asmall light shone on one specific area, this issue has to be addressed holistically, systematicallyand across a broad range of areas. That's why a Royal Commission is absolutely warranted and itwill be one way to provide justice for people with disability.”

View or download the story at: http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2015/09/disability-abuse-royal-commission-calls-get-louder#sthash.XAbPET1d.dpuf

Five point plan unveiled

Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) has unveiled a five point plan to addressthe employment of people with disability

AFDO released its response to the Department of Social Services Employment Framework, chieflyrecommending a move to a market driven approach based on the National Disability InsuranceScheme (NDIS) and practical measures and reform that support Australian businesses to becomedisability confident.

“Taking into account our looming workforce challenges, it is critical that people with disability andbusinesses are at the centre of a new employment framework to ensure that people with disabilityare not left behind”, said Mr Matthew Wright, CEO of AFDO.

“Clearly, we have had no tangible change in the last decade and it’s time that we had an open andfrank conversation with business about what’s really holding back the employment of people withdisability”, said Mr Wright.

The submission outlines a series of recommendations, including five critical components of a newmodel that include

Set up of a market driven approach based on the NDIS, with a funding package allocated tojobseekers with disability to purchase employment related supports

Direct support to businesses of all sizes to become disability confident

Leadership by Federal, State and Territory governments to increase the proportion of peoplewith disability employed in the public sector

Development of clear benchmarks, goals and accountabilities to close the employment gapexperienced by people with disability

Systemically addressing the concerns of business regarding Workplace Health and Safety,industrial relations and disability discrimination.

“Our aim is not to increase the number of jobseekers looking for work (participation) but rather atangible, measurable increase in the number of people with disability in jobs”, said Mr Wright.

“The employment of people with disability is a complex and multi-faceted issue that requires asophisticated response. The missing ingredient with labour market programs to date has beenaddressing the needs of businesses and people with disability”, said Mr Wright.

AFDO’s submission to the Department of Social Services Disability Employment Framework canbe accessed at www.afdo.org.au/our-work/employment/

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 9

Employing people with disability

ND'S Queensland ambassador Karni Liddell (pictured right)

talks about the benefits of employing people with disabilityand offering a flexible, accessible workplace.

Why is it important for people with disability to be in theworkforce?

KL: A person with disability has the same wants and needs aseveryone else, such as financial security, career fulfilment, afamily, a social life, etcetera. When they are able to achieve all ofthese basic life needs, there is less focus on disability.

Furthermore, it's in an organisation's interest to have diversitywithin their workforce as it brings another perspective and canadd value in all areas from customer service through to R&D.

How can people with disability and employers work together toreate opportunities?

KL: The NDIS will provide people with a disability with the rightequipment and supports to be able to interact with theirenvironment; therefore most people with disability will just requirea chance, an opportunity, a job and an open door.

The NDIS may fund some disability supports to assist people with disability at work. It would begreat if employers just had a conversation with a potential employee, who has a disability, abouttheir needs. Having a frank discussion will enable the employer and employee to identify what isneeded.

How will the NDIS enable more people to enter the workforce, for example, people with disability orcarers?

KL: The ND'S will enable people with disability to get out the front door in the morning and livetheir best life. With the right equipment and support, people with disability have an opportunity tounleash their skills, experience and knowledge on the world.

Generally, the hardest part of our day is getting to work and one of the goals of the NDIS is tosupport people with this part of their day. The rest of the day we need the business community toopen their doors to us so we can establish careers and contribute to the community and our betterfutures.

In turn, the support provided through the NDIS will 'free up' many family members and friends whomay currently be in full-time, unpaid caring roles and allow them to participate more in thecommunity. For example, they may decide to re-enter the workforce or start participating in socialactivities that their caring role has prevented them from pursuing.

Time to empower those living with a disabilityMegan Harris | The Chronicle | 12 Sep 2015

TOOWOOMBA woman Laura Scurr doesn't want to betreated differently just because she has a disability.

A celebration was held for Disability Action Week at theVillage Green today (14 September 2015).

The aim was to empower people with a disability, raiseawareness of disability-related issues and improveaccess and inclusion throughout the community.

The event included live music, information stalls, hands-on workshops and wheelchair races.

2 Laura Scurr at the Disability week display at the

Village Green. Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 10

Ms Scurr was recently named the 2015 Toowoomba Business Disability Award's outstandingindividual.

She said with one in five Queenslanders living with disability this week was an importantcelebration.

"About 20 per cent of people are diagnosed with some form of disability in their life and yet at timesit feels like we are the most marginalised group of individuals," she said.

"I think there is a lack of knowledge about what a disability is and all the different types.

"This week is a great way to raise awareness and get people talking about disability."

Toowoomba Regional Council's Park and Recreation portfolio leader Cr Sue Englart said DisabilityAction Week was a way to celebrate our inclusiveness.

"As a community we need to cater for everybody and what we are aiming for is an inclusivesociety," she said.

N D I S UpdateThe following information has been retrieved fromDepartment of Communities, Child Safety and DisabilityServices - Queensland NDIS update.

Queensland welcomes the National Disability InsuranceAgency

Queensland NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy

On 28 August 2015, Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke announced the QueenslandGovernment’s support for the ‘Queensland NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy’ at aNational Disability Services (NDS) National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) briefing inBrisbane.

The Queensland Government has committed $1 million to support the Queensland disability sectorto implement the NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy ahead of the introduction of theNDIS.

The strategy facilitates effective and timely access to existing training, and acknowledges thesector’s existing strengths and networks in our communities. The strategy has been developed toalign with the wider national ‘NDIS Integrated Market, Sector and Workforce Strategy’.

The strategy was developed through a consortium of peak bodies including Health and CommunityServices Workforce Council, Community Services Industry Alliance, Queensland Council of SocialService (QCOSS) and National Disability Services (NDS), with support from the QueenslandGovernment.

The consortium, in partnership with the Queensland Government, will lead the strategy’simplementation through a collaborative, systemic approach to support ‘local workforce solutions forlocal needs’ to ensure Queensland has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, atthe right time to achieve full implementation of the NDIS by July 2019.

Further information about the Queensland NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy will beprovided by the consortium and the Queensland Government.

You can also read the Minister’s media release by visitinghttp://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/8/28/queensland-gets-ready-for-ndis-job-bonanza

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will benefit around 97,000 Queenslanders withsignificant and permanent disability and provide support for families and carers.

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 11

The NDIS is a new way of delivering disability supports. Participant choice and control is central tothe scheme, and supports are tailored to individual needs. The NDIS provides participants withchoice and control over how, when and where their supports are provided.

The NDIS will significantly change people's lives and enable greater social and economicparticipation of people with disability, their families and carers.

The scheme will start in Queensland from 1 July 2016, and it is anticipated that all eligibleparticipants will be covered by June 2019. When the NDIS is fully implemented, the QueenslandGovernment will contribute $2.03 billion towards scheme costs (including $197 million from theMedicare levy), indexed annually at 3.5 per cent. The NDIS will be administered by the NationalDisability Insurance Agency. www.ndis.gov.au

Reports

Inquiry into the adequacy of existing financial protections for Queensland’sseniors

This report of the Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence PreventionCommittee was tabled on 31 August 2015 and is now available on the Queensland Parliament’sTabled Papers database. Key recommendations from the report include:

The development of an updated whole-of-government senior's strategy

A review of current information and service delivery mechanisms to ensure they are sufficientlyinclusive and multi-faceted to ensure vulnerable seniors are not disadvantaged

The introduction of a program to support and monitor employment among over 50s inQueensland

A thorough review of current and potential concessions to ensure support is targeted to thosemost in need of assistance

The development of a seniors housing framework to facilitate growth in affordable andaccessible housing options

The development of strategies to address the credit and insurance needs of financiallyexcluded seniors

Read and download the full report on the Queensland Parliament website athttp://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2015/5515T876.pdf .

Inquiry into the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Amendment Bill 2015

On Wednesday, 15 July 2015, the Hon. Coralee O’Rourke MP, Minister for Disability Services,Minister for Seniors and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland, introduced theGuide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Amendment Bill 2015 to the Queensland Parliament.

In accordance with Standing Order 131, the Bill has been referred to the Communities, DisabilityServices, and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee for consideration.

The Committee must provide its report to the House by Friday, 2 October 2015.

About the Bill

The Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) amends the Guide,Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 (the Act).

The Explanatory Notes state:

The main purpose of the Act is to recognise the rights of people with disability to be accompaniedby a guide, hearing or assistance dog at public places, public passenger vehicles and places ofaccommodation. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that enrich thelives of people with disability by enabling them to participate more broadly in their community.

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BackgroundThe purpose of the Bill is to give effect to recommendations made by a stakeholder review panelformed in 2013, to undertake a full review of the Act.

Policy objectivesThe first policy objective of the Bill is to improve the access rights of guide dog, hearing andassistance dog users. The second policy objective relates to simplifying and streamliningprocesses for both people with disability and the industry. This is to be achieved through:

Authorising approved trainers or training institutions to issue handler’s identity cards and notgovernment

Repealing provisions around the creation of an advisory committee and recognising the chiefexecutive may consult with any entity the chief executive considers appropriate

Relaxing legislative requirements for proof of a person’s disability every time a person renewstheir identity card

Allowing an approved training institution to certify a guide, hearing or assistance dog of adirector, shareholder or employee trainer of that institution

The third policy objective of the Bill is to improve the monitoring, investigative and enforcementprovisions in Part 8 of the Act.

Useful Resources

The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline

(The Hotline) – a telephone service for reporting cases of neglect and abuse of disabled membersof the community.Hotline: 1800 880 052 TIS: 13 14 50 TTY: 1800 301 130 NRS: 1800 555 677Email: hotline@workfocus.comFor more information visit the Website: http://www.disabilityhotline.net.au/

Abuse and Violence

Stopping abuse and violence booklethttps://publications.qld.gov.au/storage/f/2014-09-15T01:14:41.640Z/stopping-abuse-and-violence.pdf

Welcome to the Disability Lawyer.

The goal of this site is to provide a searchable, indexed resource of information about disability andthe law.http://www.thedisabilitylawyer.net.au/

NDIS Updates

Queensland Government’s disability websitewww.qld.gov.au/disabilityPhone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (Disability Services)www.communities.qld.gov.au/disabilityPhone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)Email: disability@communities.qld.gov.au

National Disability Insurance Agencywww.ndis.gov.auPhone: 1800 800 110Sign up to receive regular email updates at: www.ndis.gov.au/sign-updates

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 13

Management Committee

Acting Chair and Public Officer:..................................... Linda Anderson

Vice Chair ........................................................................ Tania Hornberg

Secretary: ........................................................................ Elise Whebell

Treasurer: ....................................................................... Erion Haxhiraj

Associate Member:..........................................................

Ordinary Member: ........................................................... Karene Gravener

Staff

Advocacy Manager:......................................................... Kylie-maree Beller

Advocates: ...................................................................... Anne Hansen.......................................................................................... Tania Brown

Administrator:.................................................................. Beverly Smith

Nothing about us without us!This was the theme of the United NationsAssembly to ratify the Convention on the Rightsof People with Disability.

IAT works on the same principle – we are runby, and for, people with disability. This ensuresthat the agency is driven by people with a livedexperience of disability and how societal valuesaround disability impact on people’s lives.

We are therefore able to remain relevant andfocussed.

Organisations like IAT can only survive with theinvolvement of community. We know there aremany people with skills and experience that would be an asset to our organisation.

Membership is open to anybody who supports the values, mission, and work of this agency. It isfrom the membership that we draw our management committee, which is the governing body ofour organisation.

Therefore, we are especially interested in people who want to become involved, who couldcontribute to the agency by supporting the work we do and the values we hold.

In return, IAT offers the opportunity to be involved expand on and develop skills and experiencerelating to the governance of an organisation, and to be involved with like-minded people in asupportive environment.

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Mission Statement

“To stand with and for vulnerable people with a disability through vigorous independent advocacy.”

What we believe

IAT believes all people have the right to:

Be treated with respect and dignity

Be valued as individuals

Participate in the decisions and choices that effect their lives

Be involved in and contribute to their community

Safety and protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation

Live the life they choose

Key Elements of Advocacy Functioning by speaking out, acting and writing

Minimal conflict of interest

Sincerely perceived interests

Promotion of the persons welfare, well being and justice

Vigor of Action

Costs

Membership is free for both ordinary and associate members.

Ordinary Membership

Ordinary Membership is open only to people with disability.

Ordinary members have voting rights and can nominate for positions on the managementcommittee.

Ordinary members make up the majority of positions on the management committee.

Associate Membership

Associate membership is available to any person concerned with issues affecting peoplewith disability.

Positions on the management committee (other than that of chairperson) are available toassociate members; they have voting rights only for the period of their inclusion on thecommittee.

What membership does not include:

Automatic or preferential approval for advocacy support – all members, should they requireadvocacy, would be subject to the same entry criteria and referral process as any otherperson requesting advocacy support

Automatic approval for membership of the management committee – any personnominating for membership of the management committee must nominate and address aset of selection criteria. This is to ensure that members are able to support the values of theorganisation, and assists us to determine how we can assist the management committeemembers to increase their skills and knowledge in relation to the management of thisagency

If you would like to become a member of IAT, please complete one of the membership applicationforms at the back of this newsletter and return to the office for processing.

If you would like to discuss membership or joining the management committee please call us on(07) 4725 2505 or toll free on 1800 887 688.

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 15

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPAPPLICATION FORM

I would like to apply for Associate Membership of

Independent Advocacy Townsville

Name: ..................................................................................................................................

Signed: ........................................................

Address: ..............................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

Postal Address: ...................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

Phone Number: ...........................................

Date: ............................................................

On completion, please return to Independent Advocacy Townsville

2/179-181 Ross River RoadMUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812PO Box 3067HERMIT PARK QLD 4812

Phone: 1800 887 68807) 47 252 505

Fax: 07) 47 256 106E-mail: admin@iat.org.au

OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Proposed by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Seconded by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Accepted by Meeting of the Management Committee.

Date of Meeting: .....................................................

Newsletter: September 2015 P a g e | 16

ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP

APPLICATION FORMI would like to apply for Ordinary Membership of

Independent Advocacy Townsville

Name: ..................................................................................................................................

Signed: ........................................................

Address: ..............................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

Postal Address: ...................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

Phone Number: ...........................................

Date: ............................................................

On completion, please return to Independent Advocacy Townsville

2/179-181 Ross River RoadMUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812PO Box 3067HERMIT PARK QLD 4812

Phone: 1800 887 68807) 47 252 505

Fax: 07) 47 256 106E-mail: admin@iat.org.au

OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Proposed by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Seconded by: ........................................................ Signed: ..........................................

Accepted by Meeting of the Management Committee.

Date of Meeting: .....................................................