IAT - September 2015 Newsletter

N EW SL E TT E R 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.

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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.

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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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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 capacity‌it'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.

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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. st

Find out more on the New World: Disability in the 21 Century http://www.ndisconference.com/index.php. Online registration closes on 23 October 2015.

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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

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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

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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 Advoca cy 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 primaril y 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

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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.

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“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/

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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

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Ms Scurr was recently named the 2015 Toowoomba Business Disability Aw ard'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 Sche me (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 fr om 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/queens land-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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 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.

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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

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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: .....................................................