N EWSLETTER
September 2015
“To stand with and for vulnerable people with a disability through vigorous independent advocacy.”
Malcolm Turnbull’s new ministry: People with
disabilities risk losing their ‘voice’ with loss of
dedicated portfolio
Jane Lee | Sydney Morning Herald | 21 Sep 2015
In This Issue
Chairperson’s ReportError!
not defined.
Bookmark
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
1 Christian Porter is sworn in as Minister for Social Services by GovernorGeneral Sir Peter Cosgrove at Government House in Canberra on Monday.
Photo: Andrew Meares
Christian who? Introducing the new Social Services
Minister
People with disabilities risk losing their voice in Parliament
as a result of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's decision to
remove a dedicated disabilities portfolio from his cabinet,
advocates say.
Mr Turnbull has shaken up the responsibilities for social
services, promoting Senator Mitch Fifield - who was
formerly an assistant minister responsible for disabilities
and the aged care system – to become the
Communications and Arts Minister. Mr Fifield was also
responsible for overseeing the roll-out of the National
Disabilities Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Christian Porter, who was sworn in as the new Social
Services Minister on Monday, will now oversee disabilities
and the NDIS among a broader range of responsibilities,
including social welfare. The former Western Australian
attorney-general and treasurer is understood to be less
well-known to the disability sector than Mr Fifield, who
spent three years as shadow minister for disabilities before
he became a minister.
Continued over
Management Committee .................... 13
Staff ................................................... 13
Nothing about us without us! .............. 13
Independent Advocacy Townsville Office
2/179-181 Ross River Road
MUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812
PO Box 3067 HERMIT PARK QLD 4812
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
1800 887 688
07) 47 252 505
07) 47 256 106
admin@iat.org.au
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Newsletter: September 2015
Page |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 discrimination
commissioner 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 available
for informal support: "There is always a long queue to see any minister. The fact is that queue is
going to be a lot longer." The change comes as the legislation underpinning the NDIS is being
reviewed, including whether it needs to be changed to ensure it can "control costs". Mr Turnbull
last 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 "worked
hard" to ensure the scheme was adequately funded in his time in the portfolio. "It will be harder to
wind back costs now because there'll be federal and state commitments locked in but the fact that
the 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's
inevitably going to lose some focus and that's disappointing," Mr Innes said. While a minister was
not required to represent the disability community directly, he or she played a key role in
advocating on their unique issues in Parliament.
It meant people with disabilities would rely far more on advocacy services, many of which had seen
their funding cut earlier this year under former social services minister Scott Morrison, including
Blind Citizens Australia, Deaf Australia and Down Syndrome Australia.
Mary Mallett, chief executive of the Disability Advocacy Network Australia, said the move could
also be an opportunity for disability issues to be paid significant attention within a senior cabinet
portfolio, rather than deflected to a junior minister.
Mr Porter told ABC on Monday that disability services, aged care and the NDIS would be among
his portfolio responsibilities, while childcare would be removed. "So I think it's safe to say there will
be a minister (for disabilities)," he said. "I think people can be absolutely assured that disabilities is
going to have front and centre care inside portfolios."
Advocacy Manager’s Report
HI to all our valued members!
Independent Advocacy Townsville is moving into that time of the year when we need you, our
Members to attend our AGM! We have had to farewell some longstanding members of our
Management Committee who have moved into new and exciting phases of their own lives. Have
you 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 in
planning how to move forward in terms of building up our Fee for Service arm of our Organisation
with the specific purpose of funding our Advocacy work so we might not have to be at the whim of
Government 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 Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ahead of the formal transition starting from July 2016, subject to
Commonwealth 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 Government
to finalise the Bilateral Agreement for Queensland’s transition to the NDIS. This important
agreement will provide vital information about when people will be moving to the NDIS over the
three year period from July 2016.
Newsletter: September 2015
Page |3
The main issue is fair and equitable access to the Medicare levy that Queensland tax payers have
been paying since 1 July 2014. Not having fair and equitable access to the Medicare levy has a
significant impact on the NDIS phasing schedule in Queensland. Under the current proposal by the
Commonwealth Government, approximately 65,000 of the expected 97,000 people with disability
will 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 how
much the need for independent advocacy has grown. We have even had to turn people away who
need our help. This was not an easy decision to make, but we saw little sense in accepting
referrals when we had no chance to address the issues. We always make sure we refer these
people to other organisations that may be able to help. We are also confident that those who
attended our self-advocacy education workshops may now be in a position to advocate for
themselves.
Please remember that it is your support, as valued members of IAT that assists us to do the work
that we do. Please do contribute by attending the upcoming AGM as well as let us know what you
may like to see in future newsletters.
Have you considered a position on the Management Committee? Do you have skills and
experiences that may assist us?
Kia ora
Kylie-maree Beller
Advocacy Manager
Wine and Cheese Evening – Recruitment Drive
IAT held a Wine and Cheese evening on Friday 11th September to recruit new members for our
Management 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 our
Community’s support.
This was well attended and we hope to have these interested people submit a formal application to
join 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 the
21st Century Conference and Trade Show to be held at the Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre
from 27-29 October 2015.
This conference will focus on the interface between technology and disability services, and it will be a
dynamic exchange between people with disability, technology experts, entrepreneurs, policy makers and
service providers, along with an exhibition and trade show and national and international speakers. The
program 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 Accessibility
Officer, Microsoft and Dr Jeffery Cole, Director of the Centre for the Digital Future, University of Southern
California.
Find out more on the New World:
Disability in the 21st Century
http://www.ndisconference.com/index.php. Online registration closes on 23 October 2015.
website
at
Newsletter: September 2015
Page |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-murrayhurst-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 Special
Needs 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 meeting
new people . There will be great giveaways and Cowboys NRL staff will be in attendance.
All ages welcome | All Special Needs and Disabilities welcome
Tyson Muscat
Game Development Officer - Northern Division
M: +61 402 892 833 | E: tmuscat@nrl.com.au
National Rugby League Limited (http://www.playnrl.com)
Mackay Stadium, 2 Casey Ave, Mackay QLD 4740 | PO Box 2005, Mackay, QLD 4740
Newsletter: September 2015
Page |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 and
light 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
Page |6
IAT - A Brief History
IAT has been incorporated for over two decades, providing advocacy support and high quality
services to people with disabilities in the Townsville and surrounding districts. Covering rural and
regional areas from the Cassowary Coast in the north, east to Palm Island, south to the Burdekin, and
west to Hughenden.
IAT is located opposite the Cathedral School, in Mundingburra. We have two Advocates and
continue 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 any
questions relating to providing an information session about Independent Advocacy Townsville.
As economic and political situations change we are maintaining a positive outlook and continue to
support people with disabilities during the introductory phase of new schemes and other changes
within the sector.
IAT’s advocacy speaks, acts and writes with minimum conflict of interest by standing with, and for
people with disability to promote, protect and defend their welfare, rights and justice by: being on
their side and no-one else’s, without jeopardy to the most vulnerable being primarily concerned
with their fundamental needs: and remaining loyal and accountable to them in a way which is
emphatic and vigorous and which requires the bearing of costs by the advocate or advocacy
group.
Support IAT
You can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people with disability by financially
supporting IAT to make sure our advocacy efforts continue in the future. All donations over $2.00
are 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
Funding
Supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au
for 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 Louder
By Xavier Smerdon | Pro Bono Australia | 17 Sept 2015
The Turnbull Government has said that the state governments
should “take the lead” on investigating incidences of abuse
against people with disability rather than a Royal Commission
into the issue be set up.
Disability advocates have been calling for a Royal Commission into
the violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability in
institutional and residential settings following evidence that has
been presented at Senate Inquiry into the issue. They argue that
Newsletter: September 2015
Page |7
the Senate’s investigations are only revealing a fraction of the systemic levels of abuse that are
happening 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 other
processes 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 carefully
consider the inquiry’s findings.”
Senator Fifield said that the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry
would be an important input into the development of a nationally
consistent quality and safeguarding framework for the National Disability
Insurance Scheme.
Senator Fifield said that the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry
would be an important input into the development of a nationally
consistent quality and safeguarding framework for the National Disability
Insurance Scheme.
Image: Senator Fifield
“As is the case with the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Abuse in
Disability Services, it is appropriate for state governments to take the
lead on investigating incidences of abuse within state service providers,”
he said.
“The findings and recommendations of these related
investigations will also be important inputs to the NDIS quality and
safeguarding framework.”
Earlier this month Chair of the Senate Inquiry, Senator Rachel Siewert, wrote that it was not doing
enough
to
uncover
“horrifying”
accounts
of
abuse.
(view
full
story
at
http://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 that
victims 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 being
put forward, sometimes by people themselves with the support of organisations such as the
Australian Cross Disability Alliance or other advocacy organisations, but often people with disability
in institutions and residential settings rarely have their stories told and have not had a voice at all in
this topic,” Sands said.
“A Royal Commission is about justice for people with disability. It’s a way to acknowledge that this
is such a significant issue and I just think we can’t ignore the incidents and prevalence of this issue
anymore.
“It’s not just an issue within disability service settings, it’s in schools, it’s in prisons, it’s in mental
health facilities, it’s in supported accommodation, juvenile justice facilities, aged care, out of home
care, a whole range of areas, and many of these stories are now gradually coming out in various
reports.
“Just looking at what safeguards in the systems we might require, while that is important, it actually
doesn’t address the justice element for people with disability to feel acknowledged, to feel they’ve
had 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 adequate
access to justice.
“I think we are failing them. I think we’re not recognising the broad, sustained, prevalent nature of
this situation for people with disability,” she said.
Newsletter: September 2015
Page |8
“The powers of a Royal Commission means that they have the authority and they have the powers
to interrogate a whole range of service systems and they can also bring together experts to
examine the systems that underpin these service systems, these institutional and residential
settings.
“What we’re doing (with a Senate Inquiry) is we’re shining a light in a tiny area to uncover specific
incidences and we are ignoring that this problem is significant, it is huge, and we don’t need a
small light shone on one specific area, this issue has to be addressed holistically, systematically
and across a broad range of areas. That's why a Royal Commission is absolutely warranted and it
will 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-abuseroyal-commission-calls-get-louder#sthash.XAbPET1d.dpuf
Five point plan unveiled
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) has unveiled a five point plan to address
the employment of people with disability
AFDO released its response to the Department of Social Services Employment Framework, chiefly
recommending a move to a market driven approach based on the National Disability Insurance
Scheme (NDIS) and practical measures and reform that support Australian businesses to become
disability confident.
“Taking into account our looming workforce challenges, it is critical that people with disability and
businesses are at the centre of a new employment framework to ensure that people with disability
are 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 and
frank conversation with business about what’s really holding back the employment of people with
disability”, said Mr Wright.
The submission outlines a series of recommendations, including five critical components of a new
model that include

Set up of a market driven approach based on the NDIS, with a funding package allocated to
jobseekers 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 people
with disability employed in the public sector

Development of clear benchmarks, goals and accountabilities to close the employment gap
experienced 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 a
tangible, 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 a
sophisticated response. The missing ingredient with labour market programs to date has been
addressing the needs of businesses and people with disability”, said Mr Wright.
AFDO’s submission to the Department of Social Services Disability Employment Framework can
be accessed at www.afdo.org.au/our-work/employment/
Newsletter: September 2015
Page |9
Employing people with disability
ND'S Queensland ambassador Karni Liddell (pictured right)
talks about the benefits of employing people with disability
and offering a flexible, accessible workplace.
Why is it important for people with disability to be in the
workforce?
KL: A person with disability has the same wants and needs as
everyone else, such as financial security, career fulfilment, a
family, a social life, etcetera. When they are able to achieve all of
these basic life needs, there is less focus on disability.
Furthermore, it's in an organisation's interest to have diversity
within their workforce as it brings another perspective and can
add value in all areas from customer service through to R&D.
How can people with disability and employers work together to
reate opportunities?
KL: The NDIS will provide people with a disability with the right
equipment and supports to be able to interact with their
environment; therefore most people with disability will just require
a 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 be
great if employers just had a conversation with a potential employee, who has a disability, about
their needs. Having a frank discussion will enable the employer and employee to identify what is
needed.
How will the NDIS enable more people to enter the workforce, for example, people with disability or
carers?
KL: The ND'S will enable people with disability to get out the front door in the morning and live
their best life. With the right equipment and support, people with disability have an opportunity to
unleash 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 to
support people with this part of their day. The rest of the day we need the business community to
open their doors to us so we can establish careers and contribute to the community and our better
futures.
In turn, the support provided through the NDIS will 'free up' many family members and friends who
may currently be in full-time, unpaid caring roles and allow them to participate more in the
community. For example, they may decide to re-enter the workforce or start participating in social
activities that their caring role has prevented them from pursuing.
Time to empower those living with a disability
Megan Harris | The Chronicle | 12 Sep 2015
TOOWOOMBA woman Laura Scurr doesn't want to be
treated differently just because she has a disability.
A celebration was held for Disability Action Week at the
Village Green today (14 September 2015).
The aim was to empower people with a disability, raise
awareness of disability-related issues and improve
access and inclusion throughout the community.
The event included live music, information stalls, handson 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 outstanding
individual.
She said with one in five Queenslanders living with disability this week was an important
celebration.
"About 20 per cent of people are diagnosed with some form of disability in their life and yet at times
it 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 Disability
Action 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 inclusive
society," she said.
N D I S Update
The following information has been retrieved from
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability
Services - Queensland NDIS update.
Queensland welcomes the National Disability Insurance
Agency
Queensland NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy
On 28 August 2015, Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke announced the Queensland
Government’s support for the ‘Queensland NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy’ at a
National Disability Services (NDS) National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) briefing in
Brisbane.
The Queensland Government has committed $1 million to support the Queensland disability sector
to implement the NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy ahead of the introduction of the
NDIS.
The strategy facilitates effective and timely access to existing training, and acknowledges the
sector’s existing strengths and networks in our communities. The strategy has been developed to
align with the wider national ‘NDIS Integrated Market, Sector and Workforce Strategy’.
The strategy was developed through a consortium of peak bodies including Health and Community
Services Workforce Council, Community Services Industry Alliance, Queensland Council of Social
Service (QCOSS) and National Disability Services (NDS), with support from the Queensland
Government.
The consortium, in partnership with the Queensland Government, will lead the strategy’s
implementation through a collaborative, systemic approach to support ‘local workforce solutions for
local needs’ to ensure Queensland has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at
the right time to achieve full implementation of the NDIS by July 2019.
Further information about the Queensland NDIS non-government sector workforce strategy will be
provided by the consortium and the Queensland Government.
You can also read the Minister’s media release by visiting
http://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 with
significant 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 to
the scheme, and supports are tailored to individual needs. The NDIS provides participants with
choice and control over how, when and where their supports are provided.
The NDIS will significantly change people's lives and enable greater social and economic
participation of people with disability, their families and carers.
The scheme will start in Queensland from 1 July 2016, and it is anticipated that all eligible
participants will be covered by June 2019. When the NDIS is fully implemented, the Queensland
Government will contribute $2.03 billion towards scheme costs (including $197 million from the
Medicare levy), indexed annually at 3.5 per cent. The NDIS will be administered by the National
Disability Insurance Agency. www.ndis.gov.au
Reports
Inquiry into the adequacy of existing financial protections for Queensland’s
seniors
This report of the Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention
Committee was tabled on 31 August 2015 and is now available on the Queensland Parliament’s
Tabled 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 sufficiently
inclusive and multi-faceted to ensure vulnerable seniors are not disadvantaged

The introduction of a program to support and monitor employment among over 50s in
Queensland

A thorough review of current and potential concessions to ensure support is targeted to those
most in need of assistance

The development of a seniors housing framework to facilitate growth in affordable and
accessible housing options

The development of strategies to address the credit and insurance needs of financially
excluded seniors
Read and download the full report on the Queensland Parliament website at
http://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 the
Guide, 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, Disability
Services, 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 accompanied
by a guide, hearing or assistance dog at public places, public passenger vehicles and places of
accommodation. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that enrich the
lives of people with disability by enabling them to participate more broadly in their community.
Newsletter: September 2015
P a g e | 12
Background
The purpose of the Bill is to give effect to recommendations made by a stakeholder review panel
formed in 2013, to undertake a full review of the Act.
Policy objectives
The first policy objective of the Bill is to improve the access rights of guide dog, hearing and
assistance dog users. The second policy objective relates to simplifying and streamlining
processes 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 not
government

Repealing provisions around the creation of an advisory committee and recognising the chief
executive may consult with any entity the chief executive considers appropriate

Relaxing legislative requirements for proof of a person’s disability every time a person renews
their identity card

Allowing an approved training institution to certify a guide, hearing or assistance dog of a
director, shareholder or employee trainer of that institution
The third policy objective of the Bill is to improve the monitoring, investigative and enforcement
provisions 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 members
of the community.
Hotline: 1800 880 052 TIS: 13 14 50 TTY: 1800 301 130 NRS: 1800 555 677
Email: hotline@workfocus.com
For more information visit the Website: http://www.disabilityhotline.net.au/
Abuse and Violence
Stopping abuse and violence booklet
https://publications.qld.gov.au/storage/f/2014-09-15T01:14:41.640Z/stopping-abuse-andviolence.pdf
Welcome to the Disability Lawyer.
The goal of this site is to provide a searchable, indexed resource of information about disability and
the law.
http://www.thedisabilitylawyer.net.au/
NDIS Updates
Queensland Government’s disability website
www.qld.gov.au/disability
Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (Disability Services)
www.communities.qld.gov.au/disability
Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Email: disability@communities.qld.gov.au
National Disability Insurance Agency
www.ndis.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 110
Sign 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 Nations
Assembly to ratify the Convention on the Rights
of People with Disability.
IAT works on the same principle – we are run
by, and for, people with disability. This ensures
that the agency is driven by people with a lived
experience of disability and how societal values
around disability impact on people’s lives.
We are therefore able to remain relevant and
focussed.
Organisations like IAT can only survive with the
involvement of community. We know there are
many 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 is
from the membership that we draw our management committee, which is the governing body of
our organisation.
Therefore, we are especially interested in people who want to become involved, who could
contribute 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 experience
relating to the governance of an organisation, and to be involved with like-minded people in a
supportive environment.
Newsletter: September 2015
P a g e | 14
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 management
committee.
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 people
with disability.
Positions on the management committee (other than that of chairperson) are available to
associate members; they have voting rights only for the period of their inclusion on the
committee.
What membership does not include:


Automatic or preferential approval for advocacy support – all members, should they require
advocacy, would be subject to the same entry criteria and referral process as any other
person requesting advocacy support
Automatic approval for membership of the management committee – any person
nominating for membership of the management committee must nominate and address a
set of selection criteria. This is to ensure that members are able to support the values of the
organisation, and assists us to determine how we can assist the management committee
members to increase their skills and knowledge in relation to the management of this
agency
If you would like to become a member of IAT, please complete one of the membership application
forms 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 MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION 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 Road
MUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812
PO Box 3067
HERMIT PARK QLD 4812
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
1800 887 688
07) 47 252 505
07) 47 256 106
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 FORM
I 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 Road
MUNDINGBURRA QLD 4812
PO Box 3067
HERMIT PARK QLD 4812
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
1800 887 688
07) 47 252 505
07) 47 256 106
admin@iat.org.au
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Proposed by:
........................................................
Signed: ..........................................
Seconded by:
........................................................
Signed: ..........................................
Accepted by Meeting of the Management Committee.
Date of Meeting: .....................................................