Disability Justice Centre Project
Local Community Liaison Group
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Venue:
Thursday, 21 August 2014
4.00 – 6.00 pm
130 Lord Street, Caversham WA 6055
Attendees:
Ms Jody Waite, A/Chairperson
Ms Elizabeth Drew, Local Community Member
Jenny Waterhouse, Local Community Member
Deputy Mayor Cr Mick Wainwright, Deputy Mayor, City of Swan
Ms Noelina Aung-Sein, Commission Staff Support
Apologies:
Connie Drew, Local Community Member
Megan Barnett, Disability Justice Service Manager
Guest
speakers:
Mr Richard Watson, Social Trainer, Accommodation Services,
Disability Services Commission
Mr Brodie Della, Emergency Accommodation Service Coordinator,
Disability Services Commission
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1. Open and welcome
 Ms Waite opened the meeting at 4:05 pm and welcomed all attendees.
2. Previous Minutes
 The Minutes of 24 July 2014 were accepted pending point 6. Ms Waite and
Mr Visser were present at Community Campaign Against Residential Prisons
(CCARP) on 3 July 2014.
3. Outstanding Actions
 These were addressed and discussed at the meeting.
4. Introduction of Guest Speakers
 Mr Watson and Mr Della explained their job role to Local Community
Members and the Local Mayor. This includes supporting people with disability
in a range of ways to live in their own homes and lead a good life in their local
community. In addition, a range of supports that can be provided were
explained. This support is individualised as people’s needs are different.
There was general discussion which included questions from the group about
the types of activities people participated in in the local community and how
social trainers supported participation.
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5. Update from members
 Mr Wainwright advised that he had recently attended a Mentally Impaired
Accused Review (MIAR) Board hearing. This visit was arranged as a result of
a previous request made at a meeting. He reported that:
o MIAR Board process was comprehensive. He advised that there was a
lot of discussion in relation to the specific individuals.
o The meeting was professional and the MIAR Board members had the
opportunity to discuss each individual’s situation.
 Mr Wainwright also advised that the environment at Boronia Pre-release
Centre for Women is more like that of a family.
 Mr Wainwright requested to view policies once they were developed and
asked to be kept informed on the progress of the Disability Justice Centre.
 Mr Wainwright commented that early consultation would have supported
better understanding within the community.
 Mr Wainwright expressed concern about people staying in the Centre for long
periods of time. In response, Ms Waite explained leave of absence options
and the process for mentally impaired accused. The group discussed initial
process (i.e. initial MIAR Board recommendation and subsequent approval by
the Governor). There was also further discussion as Mr Wainwright reflected
on his board meeting and how people on leave of absence would transition
back into the community.
 Ms C Drew and Ms L Drew have requested a site visit along with regular
updates on progress.
Action: An update is to be provided on the progress of the Disability
Justice Centre works at each meeting as per agenda item.
 Ms L Drew questioned why the Centre is being built before legislation is
passed.
Action: Ms Barnett will provide a response at the next meeting.
 Once updates are received Mr Wainwright, Ms L Drew and Ms Waterhouse
advised they will circulate to the wider community.
6. Update from Manager Disability Justice Service
 Ms Waite, Chairperson for meeting spoke on Ms Barnett’s behalf and
provided building update. This included that the footings had been laid on site.
7. Other Business
 Eligibility question
At the request of the Local Community Liaison Group members Ms Waite
explained the difference between intellectual/cognitive disability and mental
health issues. This included intellectual disability being a lifelong condition
manifesting before the age of 18 years of age. A cognitive disability is
acquired after the age of 18 may result from a range of reasons including a
motor vehicle accident. On the other hand, mental health issues are
experienced by a wide proportion of the population, at different times during a
person’s life. Many mental health issues can be resolved with appropriate
treatment. Mental health is a health issue and can be treated.
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Community Campaign Against Residential Prisons Request
Ms Waite offered to attend or organise a speaker from Community Campaign
Against Residential Prisons to explain the distinction as members advised
there is still confusion within the community.
Action: Local Community Liaison Group members to follow up with
Community Campaign Against Residential Prisons and suggest a
speaker to be invited to a meeting.
Guest speaker for the next meeting
The group discussed possibility of Mr Gavro Draca, Behaviour Support
Service Team Leader of Disability Services Commission to attend a future
meeting. Members were aware that he had previously visited the declared
place in Queensland.
Action: Ms Waite to ask Mr Draca to attend a future meeting as a guest
speaker.
Other questions and issues raised
o Members were interested in the Disability Justice Centre Manager’s
role. The members were under the impression that Ms Barnett is to act
as the Centre Manager. Ms Waite explained the Centre Manager is to
be the Manager of the Disability Justice Centre, while Ms Barnett is the
Manager of the Disability Justice Service (of which the Disability Justice
Centre is a part).
o Ms L Drew sought information on the role of the Commission’s In–
Reach program. Ms Waite explained that the role of In-Reach is to
support people with disabilities while in prison and in transitioning from
prison into the community. This support includes training and support to
justice services, individual planning, skill development, community
engagement and improving access to suitable programs.
o Local Community Members asked who will be involved in the induction
of new members on 11 September 2014.
Action: Ms Waite will provide details of who will be involved in the
induction of new members at the next meeting.
Ms L Drew requested further information regarding a feasibility study
pertaining to the site at Kiara. Although discussed at the previous meeting
Ms L Drew has requested the Commission provide further information.
Action: Ms Barnett to respond at next meeting.
Mr Wainwright and Ms L Drew requested a visit to Boronia Pre-release Centre
for Women.
Action: Ms Waite to explore possibilities and provide an update at the
next meeting.
8. Close and next meeting
Meeting closed: 5:30 pm
Date of next meeting: 4:00 pm
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2014
Venue: 130 Lord Street, Caversham
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9. Calendar of Events – 2014 LCLG Meetings
*Commencement time to be confirmed (as it is subject to guest speaker’s
availability)
 18 September 2014
130 Lord St., Caversham
Guest speakers TBC (new members)
 23 October 2014
130 Lord St., Caversham
Guest speakers Judge Robert Cock, Chairperson Mentally Impaired Accused
Review Board
 20 November 2014
130 Lord St., Caversham
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