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i:D Bulletin of the Disability Council of NSW
Welcome to the August edition of i:D, the electronic bulletin of the Disability Council of NSW – the State’s official advisory body on disability. We produce this newsletter once a month so that we can keep you informed of our activities and the Council’s areas of interest.
Please feel free to circulate this newsletter to anyone you believe may be interested in receiving it. If you decide that you would rather not receive it please send an email to us with the words UNSUBSCRIBE BULLETIN in the subject line. We hope, of course, you’ll be happy to read our newsletter and give us feedback.
If you have any topic you wish to raise with the Disability Council of NSW please contact us by email.
Dougie Herd
Executive Officer, Office of the Disability Council of NSW
1. Chair's Introduction by Andrew Buchanan
Hello
and welcome to our monthly bulletin. It’s been a while since we
could circulate this update but we’re glad to be back. I hope
you’ll find something to interest you.
Opinions vary about who first said that “the only constant thing in the world is change” but whether it was Heraclitus of Ephesus around 500 BCE or the passenger waiting for a pre-pay only Sydney bus on George Street yesterday … the point is well-made. It seems useful, therefore, to reflect on some recent changes.
It is my great pleasure to continue to build a good relationship with the Hon Paul Lynch MP, our ‘new’ Minister for Disability Services. Like many in the sector I was sad to say farewell to the Hon Kristina Keneally MP but it is encouraging that in addition to Minister Lynch championing our cause at Cabinet, the current Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Planning have occupied the disability ‘hot seat’ during my time as Chair of the Disability Council.
My appreciation of the outstanding leadership and record of Brendan O’Reilly is already a matter of public record. We owe much to his period as Director General of DADHC. His successor, Jim Moore, has an impressive public service record in his own right and we are fortunate indeed to have him take over the reins. We wish Jim well.
The creation of NSW Government ‘super agencies’ has long been mooted. Who would combine with what? How would responsibilities be divided or shared? The speculation is over. The thirteen agencies are being shaped as we speak. We will strive to ensure that the advice we give across the whole of Government maximises the understanding of all the new Departments of the key concerns of people with disability and their families.
I’ll end with changes closer to home. We were all deeply affected by the death of Disability Council member Matt Laffan. It caused much sadness but, if anything, even greater celebration of a remarkable life and spirit.
I’m glad to welcome home to the Council our Executive Officer Dougie Herd, who spent almost 4 months on secondment to the DADHC Central Office. I am greatly appreciative to both Peter Reid and Tom Pelle of DADHC who managed our team so well during Dougie’s absence and to Amelia and Marisa who ‘held the fort’ during a period of change.
And lastly, I’m very pleased to welcome changes and new members to our re-organised staff team. Amelia Starr (A/Senior Policy Officer), Anna Wilson (A/Policy Officer) and Kristine Schneider (A/Assistant Policy Officer) have taken on key roles in our small unit following an internal process of Expressions of Interest by DADHC staff. We’re pleased to have them with us because, as we all know, there’s plenty of work to be done.
Regards
Andrew Buchanan
Chair
Disability Council of NSW
2. “SHUT OUT” – National Disability Strategy Consultations Report published
On Wednesday, 5th August, the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council presented the findings of the National Disability Strategy (NDS) public consultations to the Australian Government. The Report was accepted on behalf of the Government by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Service and Indigenous Affairs and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services.
The consultation report Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia, prepared by the National Council, was informed by more than 750 submissions, and public consultations involving more than 2,500 people held nationally between October and December 2008.
The report can be viewed at this web location: www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/
The Disability Council was represented at the Melbourne launch of the Report by our Executive Officer, Dougie Herd.
3. Access to Premises Standards – Forward Movement
The Legal & Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Australian Parliament’s House of Representatives recently published its report of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Disability Discrimination Act draft Standards on Access to Premises. The Committee’s Report, entitled Access All Areas, is available at this web address: www.aph.gov.au/committee/laca/
We were pleased to read the final sentence of the Foreword to the report by the Committee’s Chair, The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP, who wrote, “People with a disability have waited more than long enough for better access to premises.” We agree.
It is heartening to read the Report’s first recommendation, which states,
“The Committee recommends that the Premises Standards be introduced without delay. Any issues which cannot be finalised without causing delay should be considered at a later date.”
The Disability Council of NSW strongly supports that recommendation. We have, as a consequence, been working with our counterparts in other States and Territories as well national peak disability groups to promote the speediest introduction possible of the draft Standards.
We assisted the Australian Human Rights Commission with preparations for a national meeting of disability groups, which considered ways to ensure the Parliamentary Inquiry’s recommendations are implemented. The meeting, which took place in Sydney in mid-July, released a joint statement in support of the revised draft Standards on Access to Premises. The statement can be read on our web site at: www.disabilitycouncil.nsw.gov.au/atp-statement-0805.doc
The Disability Council gave verbal evidence on the draft Standards when the Parliamentary Committee visited Sydney in May. You can read the transcript of our evidence in Hansard at: www.parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/
4. Universal Housing Design
As most readers of this e.Bulletin know, improving the supply of accessible housing for people with disability has been a key priority for the Disability Council of NSW for the last five years. For that reason, we have been strongly supportive of the multi-agency Australian Network for Universal Housing Design (ANUHD). The Council’s A/Senior Policy Officer, Ms Amelia Starr, was recently chosen by the Network to be its national Convenor for the third successive year.
There are increasing signs that the housing industry, regulators, planners and designers understand the social and economic benefits of building new housing to universal design principles. The Prime Minister’s wife, Ms Therese Rein, recently hosted a lunch for the industry at Kirribilli House where she urged everyone to take up universal design as an essential component of home design and construction in Australia.
The Disability Council’s Chair Andrew Buchanan, Amelia Starr and our Executive Officer Dougie Herd met with the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for People with Disabilities two weeks ago to discuss ways we could assist him to move forward on this area of disability policy (which is supported by both the Federal and NSW State governments). Amelia and Dougie have commenced discussions on the same subject with staff of the Office of the NSW Minister for Planning, the Hon Kristina Keneally MP. Amelia and Dougie will also meet on Friday, 7th August with the Commonwealth Government’s Minister for Housing to discuss accessibility and universal design in a session organised by Ms Di Winkler of the Summer Foundation.
For more information about universal housing design, check-out the ANUHD web site at: www.anuhd.org
5. Macarthur Project empowers budding Filmakers
DADHC MEDIA RELEASE Film project reaches out to Macarthur Community, Release Date - 2 July 2009
Minister
for Disability Services Paul Lynch recently visited the film set of a
unique project that is giving people with a disability in the
Macarthur region greater confidence and independence.
Mr Lynch joined Member for Camden Geoff Corrigan at rehearsals for James Jones and the Living Dead, an initiative of Camden Creative Studios and Macarthur Disability Services.
He said the project gave people with a disability the opportunity to experience the art of film-making.
“These budding actors, directors and film-makers are learning new skills, making new friends and building their independence,” Mr Lynch said.
Mr Corrigan said he was looking forward to seeing the final product at the Narellan United Cinemas later this year.
“Macarthur Disability Services and Camden Council should be proud of the support they have given this project,” he said.
“Providing unique opportunities like this allows people with a disability to make their own decisions and feel a real sense of belonging in our community,” Mr Corrigan said.
Camden
Council Cultural Development Coordinator Angela Pasqua said the film
project was already making a difference to participants.
“They have driven the process from conceptualising, story-boarding, costuming and make-up through to acting, filming, music composition, sound effects recording and draft editing of footage,” she said.
“When we first advertised the workshops, we were going to accept a maximum of eight people,” Ms Pasqua said.
“But we were inundated with so much interest that we have taken on 12 people,” she said.
“We now have a waiting list of budding film makers ready to take up the challenge in the forthcoming projects,” Ms Pasqua said.
Camden Council has funded three six-week workshops over 18 weeks. There are two other workshops with themes yet to be determined by the next group of participants.
Last year, Camden Creative Studios won the inaugural Accessible Arts Award at the Local Government Cultural Awards.
6.Government agencies on deck to play Companion Card
NSW
State Government Departments and Agencies have been encouraged to
affiliate with the NSW Companion Card which assists people with
disabilities to participate in community activities.
In a Circular, Premier Nathan Rees said while participation was voluntary, over 340 organisations across the Government and non-government sectors had already affiliated with the program. Mr Rees said NSW Public Transport, the Sydney Opera House, NSW Sport and Recreation fitness centres, Historic Houses Trust and the Australian Museum all accepted the card.
“The NSW Companion Card assists people with a significant and permanent disability, who require attendant care for the rest of their lives, to participate in community activities and events without discrimination,” he said. “On presentation of the Card the participating venue or service will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge.”
Mr Rees said the card was introduced on 28 March 2009 and included a picture of the cardholder for identification. “Cards are only issued to people who are unable to participate in most community based activities without considerable assistance with mobility, communication, self care, planning and where the use of aids and other technologies does not meet those needs,” he said. “I encourage Government Agencies involved in the facilitation of sport, community activities and events that might attract Companion Card holders, to consider affiliating with the Companion Card program.”
Mr Rees said the program helped people with a disability by enabling them to participate in community life, supporting relationships and friendships and promoting their right to fair ticketing prices. He said the National Disability Service, funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, was responsible for administering the Companion Card program.
7. Tribute to Matt Laffan
We
were all saddened by the passing of our Council member, colleague and
dear friend, Matt Laffan in early March 2009. Matt was a devoted and
well loved advocate for people with a disability whose brilliant
intellect and immensurable empathy enabled him to excel both as a
Solicitor for the Director of Public Prosecutions and as a friend and
inspiration to us all.
Peter Fitzsimons eulogy to Matt, published in the Sydney Morning Herald encapsulated the heart, soul and spirit of a man who lived a rich, fulfilling, and action packed life. He wrote, "physically, life had dealt him a pair of red twos and a couple of black fives, but he always played like he was holding four aces". He did indeed play as if he had the winning hand however his true gift was that he made us all feel that we too had been dealt the best hand.
In his interview on Australian Story in 2001, Matt showed us a window into the heart of a truly incredible man when he said, "I think the major point of destiny for me, in my own small way, is hopefully the kinetic energy I might pass on to others. So my own story might be a fairly simple one in the end, but if it rubs off on other people - those who've been close to me or those who've just come across me - and they go on to do greater and bigger things, well, that's a destiny in itself, which I believe in. I believe in that."
He certainly lives on in our hearts and minds. Since his passing, Matt's family and friends have commenced a public appeal and established the Matt Laffan Memorial Scholarship. It is hoped that the scholarship supports students with significant physical disability to study at University with a preference for those individuals who wish to study law.
To donate to the Memorial Scholarship fund go to: www.mattlaffan.com.au/scholarship/
Amelia Starr
DADHC MEDIA RELEASE - Matt Laffan remembered by Parliament, Release Date - 5 March 2009
State Parliament recently acknowledged the contribution of the late Matt Laffan to highlighting disability rights in New South Wales.
Matt Laffan sadly passed away on Sunday, 1st March at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, aged just 38 years. He was born with a rare genetic disorder of the spine, called diastrophic dysplasia.
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch said medical opinion declared Matt Laffan would not live beyond a week. “Matt made a life of defying such odds and re-defined the odds,” Mr Lynch said.
“In 38 years, Matt Laffan’s achievements are many – a successful career as a lawyer for the Office of the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions,” he said. “He was advocate for the rights of people with a disability, an ambassador for the Don’t DIS My ABILITY campaign, a board member of the Disability Council of NSW, a board member of Paraquad NSW and of the disability advisory committee of QANTAS,” Mr Lynch said.
“In 38 years, he lived centuries,” he said. Matt Laffan was also a candidate for Sydney Lord Mayor in 2004.
“Matt was able to draw on rich and diverse experiences in life which gave him a depth and insight people remember him for,” Mr Lynch said. “He was a trail-blazer who led by example but never sought praise or commendation for his inspiring leadership,” he said.
“Matt never allowed himself to be defined – or limited – by his disability,” Mr Lynch said.
8. People and Places
Every month in i:D we like to pass on news about the people and organisations that make up the disability sector in NSW and beyond. If you have snippets of news about people joining, moving within or leaving your agency pass it on to us and we’ll share it with broader community. Indeed, if you’ve any news about your agency that people might like to read about, send it to us. We’ll try to find space to put it in but please … keep it brief.
Contact us at: Kristine.Schneider@dadhc.nsw.gov.au
New Staff at 323 Castlereagh Street
- POLICY OFFICER: Ms Anna Wilson, who joins the unit after 3 months at DADHC Metro North as a Project Officer. Prior to this, Anna worked with the Disability Section of the Sydney State and Territory Office FaHCSIA for 6 months.
- ASSISTANT POLICY OFFICER: Ms Kristine Schneider, who joins the unit after 1½ years at DADHC Central Office working in the Strategic Policy and Planning Unit and previously at DADHC Metro South in Accommodation Group Homes.
The Office of the Protective Commissioner and Public Trustee Merger
The merger of the Office of the Protective Commissioner (OPC) and Public Guardian (OPG), and the Public Trustee (PT NSW) announced in the mini-budget in November 2008, has now taken effect.
As of 1st July 2009, OPC is now known as the New South Wales Trustee and Guardian (NSWTG). The merged organisation will continue to provide the full range of services provided in the past, with a strong focus on maintaining and improving the quality and accessibility of service to all clients.
The position of Public Guardian will continue and will remain separate in its functions, but the CEO NSWTG will not be the Public Guardian. The Public Guardian will report administratively to the CEO NSWTG.
The Protective Commissioner is Ms Imelda Dodds.
DADHC MEDIA RELEASE: New Director - General for DADHC, Release Date: 29 April 2009
Long-serving
public servant Jim Moore has been appointed Director-General of the
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC).
Mr Moore, formerly DADHC Deputy Director-General, replaces Brendan O’Reilly who retires after five years at the helm.
In a public sector career that started in 1983, Mr Moore worked for the Commonwealth agencies, the Department of Social Security and the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs as well as the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
In 2002, Mr Moore joined DADHC and has served as its Deputy Director-General since last year.
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch thanked Mr O’Reilly for his 37 years as a state public servant.
“Under Brendan’s leadership at DADHC, the department secured significant long-term funding to drive lasting change for people with a disability in New South Wales and our older citizens,” Mr Lynch said.
He said Mr Moore would continue to manage the delivery of essential services to seniors, people with a disability and their families and carers.
“The Government’s focus will be on delivering the second five-year instalment of Stronger Together, our long-term package for the delivery of disability services in New South Wales,” Mr Lynch said.
“In its first five years, the Government is spending $1.3 billion on a package that is making a difference to thousands of people with a disability, their families and carers,” he said.
9. About the Disability Council of NSW
The Disability Council of NSW is the official advisory body to the State Government on disability matters. We also provide advice to the Commonwealth on the effect of national policy at a State level.
We seek to provide best quality advice to Government and promote a positive vision of the future for all people with disability.
For us that means working with others to achieve a socially just community in which Government policy and practice reflect the lives and experiences of people with disability as individuals, family members and participants with many roles in a broad range of diverse settings. At all times we strive to remain mindful of the rights of people with disability, respecting their choices, celebrating their diversity and valuing their contributions.
Our role is clearly set out by an Act of Parliament, The Community Welfare Act of 1987. We have three duties as a result of that Act. They are:
- To advise Government on disability matters;
- To raise community awareness about people with disability and their aspirations; and
- To promote participation by people with disability.
We are committed to building and sustaining partnerships across sectors around a shared purpose. It is our hope that you will feel encouraged by our goals and will want to work with us as we organise to achieve them.
Contact Details of the Disability Council of NSW
Disability Council of NSW
L19, 323 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000
Tel/TTY: (02) 9211-2866
Fax: (02) 9211-2271
Tollfree (Voice/TTY) 1800 044 848
Email:
disabilitycouncil@dadhc.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.disabilitycouncil.nsw.gov.au
10. Your Privacy
We are committed to protecting your privacy and commit ourselves to conforming to the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Bill 2000, which came into effect in December 2001 and the National Privacy Principles issued by the Australian Privacy Commissioner.
This electronic bulletin is distributed by email. You have provided us with an email address. This email address will be used only for the purpose for which you have provided it. You can have your email address removed from the list for this bulletin at any time by sending an email to the Disability Council of NSW.
This Bulletin may contain links to external websites. The Disability Council of NSW cannot be held responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such websites.
SOURCES
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, DADHC
Media Release: Film project reaches out to Macarthur
Community, Release Date: 2 July 2009. www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/media_releases
Camden Advertiser, Thumbs-up for zombie film, Kerrie Armstrong, 9 July 2009.
Sydney Morning Herald, Disability service team prepares for big-scream debut with horror tale, 6 July 2009.
Public Sector Union (PSA) news update, Agencies on deck to play companion card, Released 22 July 2009. www.nsw.psnews.com.au
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, DADHC Media Release: Matt Laffan remembered by Parliament, Release Date: 5 March 2009. www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/media_releases
Attorney General’s Department of NSW, Lawlink NSW, News and Announcements, Merger of the Office of the Protective Commissioner, Office of the Public Guardian and Public Trustee. www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, DADHC Media Release: New Director-General for DADHC, Release Date: 29 April 2009. www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/media_releases
