Deirdre CHEERS

Some information was released overnight about the LNP Housing Plan, ahead of today's State Budget reply speech. While there are still many details to come, it's encouraging to see some of the proposed measures in scope, including shared equity programs and major infrastructure partnerships with local government to increase housing supply. New and innovative concepts for maximising church-owned land and utiliising vacant bedrooms make for interesting reading. And if the reports are accurate, there is a strong commitment to achieving housing targets leading up to 2046. Q Shelter is looking forward to unpacking all the details and providing useful budget analysis for the sector. This will include areas of convergence with the major parties on housing policy and differences in approaches. https://lnkd.in/g6FcR_Qh Stay tuned. #StateBudget #Housing #Homelessness #HomeMatters #BetterTogether #Queensland

18

3 Comments

Economic Abuse Awareness Day - 26 November Economic Abuse Awareness Day is observed on 26 November. Terese Edwards from Single Mother Families has authored an insightful Op-Ed, and today featured a webinar with key experts discussing significant findings and recommendations for improving child support and related policy changes. For more details, refer to the full report at https://lnkd.in/gGvyZBqd. https://lnkd.in/g9TAzE2d #16DaysofActivism

1

A quick summation of the Yearly Report to Parliament, read full document in link provided. New report on domestic violence in Australia: Progress made, but urgent action needed! Key findings: • 43 women victims of intimate partner homicide in 2023-24, up from 34 in 2022-23 • Government systems sometimes causing harm, including misidentification of victims • Critical need for better data collection and measurement of progress Progress: • National Plan and Action Plans launched • Lived Experience Advisory Council established • Increased focus on engaging men and boys Next steps: • Prioritise new data sources to assess National Plan progress • Improve sustainable funding for frontline services • Develop national workforce strategy What you can do: • Educate yourself on the signs of FDSV • Support local women's shelters and crisis services • Challenge harmful gender stereotypes in your community • Speak up if you suspect someone is experiencing abuse View full report: https://lnkd.in/gYd7jFjg

3

I was pleased to be with Dr Amanda Cohn and Mental Health Alliance colleagues this afternoon for the launch of findings and recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the equity, accessibility and appropriate delivery of outpatient and community mental health care in New South Wales. The Committee made 39 recommendations to improve community and outpatient mental health care in NSW, with 23 of those relating directly to Mental Health Coordinating Council recommendations. The $111.8 million NSW budget announcement this morning simply does not go far enough to address the recommendations of the Inquiry and demonstrates some significant reductions to previous commitments in relation to Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) Stage 2. PCLI Stage 2 was originally set to support 230 patients (in 2021) and now has been reduced to support only 20 patients. The PCLI investment of $10 million a year for four years falls significantly short of what is required to fund these supports for the cohort identified. By our calculation circa $40 million a year over four years would be needed (this is four times the current budgeted amount). The critical plea to Premier Chris Minns, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Mins Rose Jackson Mins Ryan Park and the NSW Government, is to immediately commit to increase and maintain funding across the entire mental health system with a priority investment in community-based mental health services. This includes increasing core funding to MHCC which (other than CPI), has not received increases for around 40 years. See Mental Health Coordinating Council media release here: https://lnkd.in/g6N2bVbY See Inquiry report here: https://lnkd.in/gkAM86eP #mentalhealth #inquiry #NSWBudget24 Mark Orr AM GAICD FGIA Drikus Van der Merwe Nada Nasser Kirsten Harmer Susan McCarthy (GAICD, MPH) Judi Higgin Shane Jakupec Dario Molina Priscilla Brice Jonathan Harms Lawrence Muskitta Angelo Virgona Mariam Faraj Kathi Boorman Gill Callister Corinne Henderson Annika Nystrom, MBA, CFRE, MICDA Julia Ni Katy Sam Kate Smytheman Michelle Hoomans Debbie Georgopoulos Ben Carblis Sharon Callister Harry Grant Cara Varian Ben McAlpine Angus Crowther Angus McFarland

36

2 Comments

Hearing a lot about Co-production Week 2024  1 – 5 July 2024 hosted by Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) https://lnkd.in/gJhxPa8k not many spaces left! Packed full of speakers, workshops, plenary discussions and more on the theme of Co-production Week this year: “Co-production: What’s Missing?”. We’ll focus on four themes: 🎶 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the need for more diverse voices. 🌕 The need for evidence showing the impact of co-production. 🫖 Language and definitions around co-production and social care. ℹ️ Information, advice and guidance around co-production.

12

4 Comments

Particularly like the recommendations on housing in this report. Trial specialist housing Navigators as part of NDIS reform to ensure people with disability have comprehensive support across all types of housing – not just NDIS-funded models. Here at Project Independence we have a model that has proven itself over a decade. Interest is strong nationally, as a housing solution for mild/moderate intellectual disability. #disability #inclusion #ndis #innovation #housing.

1

In 2018, ActionStation supported local communities to make establishing Māori wards easier and improve Māori representation at a council level. Together, we were successful in changing the legislation that led to Māori wards flourishing around the motu. But the Coalition Government plans to reverse this legislation, force an impossible ultimatum on post-2022 Māori wards and go back to enabling a small minority of racists to disestablish Māori wards in the future. There are too many reasons why this is a bad idea. It takes us backwards in our Te Tiriti relationship, causes unnecessary racism and uncertainty towards existing Māori ward councilors, wastes time and public money, and distracts councils from the real issues they need to focus on. Our team has reconnected with local community leaders who pushed for Māori wards in the first place, and will be doing whatever we can to protect Māori wards into the future. If you are working on this kaupapa, or are interested in getting involved - kōrero mai at [email protected].

33

#TLDR #HealthAdvocacy #Job https://lnkd.in/g9fUqZDD For many people in the WA health system, Health Consumers' Council WA is known for its engagement and systemic advocacy. But what's less visible, is the important work we do supporting individuals to understand and assert their rights in health. This free service - thanks to funding from the WA Department of Health and the Mental Health Commission - is available to anyone accessing any type of healthcare in WA: public hospital, private hospital, GPs, mental health, community health. (The only exception is people who have been involuntarily admitted to mental health services - who are able to access advocacy from the Mental Health Advocacy Service.) Some typical enquiries include ✅️ being asked to support consumers with disability to support their advocacy because they are finding it hard to get their voice heard and fear they're not being offered treatment due to assumptions about their disability ✅️ helping an Aboriginal consumer to make a complaint about not being heard as they sought healthcare for a family member ✅️ supporting a family to meet with hospital staff as the family try to find out what happened to their loved one ✅️ attending an appointment with a consumer and their GP to support the consumer to be heard after the relationship had become tense We don't advertise our service, but there's always a wait list. This role is available because of some short term funding we've been given, but we have a plan in place to extend access to this for more people in the WA community. To my mind, individual advocacy is an essential pillar of clinical governance, particularly in a system with so much power imbalance and complexity. We're looking for an experienced advocate to join our team - details at the link below - and support people in the community to understand and assert their health rights. This is one of four roles we're advertising at the moment.

8

This is new & exciting - Check out the link in Emily Gillmartin bio - #ReflectivePractice #generalpractitioners #burnoutprevention #professionalgrowth #medicalpractitioner

2

"I have nowhere to go" Homelessness Week 5-11 August Today marks the 1st day of Homelessness Week (5-11 August). Family violence continues to be the leading cause of homelessness for women and children across Australia. Research shows that 45% of women presenting to homelessness services are presenting due to family violence. A further 39% due to financial difficulties. Financial and economic disadvantages often sit alongside family violence. The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 recognised the critical link between access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing and the achievement of the Government’s ambition to end violence against women and children in a decade. Recent report below: https://lnkd.in/gd3QJJXh DART Institute Australia Inc continues to build capabilities across allied sectors in recognising and responding to family violence and supporting women's refuge services across Australia. The housing and homelessness sectors have a crucial part to play. For more information on this week's events across WA head to Shelter WA

53

2 Comments

A Softer Approach: Addressing the NDIS Funding Crisis The recent NDIS decision affecting Georgia Kosteriadis and her family is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many families caring for loved ones with complex needs. The situation highlights the urgent need for a more compassionate and understanding approach to funding and support. It's heartbreaking to hear that Georgia's family is facing such dire circumstances due to a seemingly arbitrary reduction in NDIS funding. The decision seems particularly cruel given the medical advice and the significant progress Georgia has made under her current support plan. The NDIS must prioritize the well-being of participants and their families. Funding decisions should be based on individual needs, not on arbitrary metrics or cost-cutting measures. The agency needs to reassess its approach and ensure that participants receive the support they require to lead fulfilling and independent lives. It's time for a system that truly values the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. We must advocate for policies that provide adequate funding, accessible services, and a supportive community for all. By working together with empathy and understanding, we can create a future where people with disabilities can thrive, free from the fear of financial hardship or inadequate care. Indie Lifestyle #NDIS #DisabilitySupport #FundingCrisis #Advocacy #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #CommunitySupport#supportcoordinators

6

1 Comment

What is our role, as ordinary people who may also be leaders or parents, to reduce violence, especially intimate partner violence in our communities? Here is a link to a submission made to the Queensland government by Anglicare, a national social services organisation. The paper provides excellent suggestions for giving support to perpetrators of violence who are seeking help: by sharing information, support groups, fathering programmes, and other non-stigmatising interventions as a source of primary prevention of violence (page 9). Here is a link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/gTRt-6RM

8

Today’s musing: Stakeholder Engagement: A Crucial Element in Addressing Youth Crime and Social Justice Engaging stakeholders—ranging from community leaders, law enforcement, educators, to youth themselves—is fundamental in addressing youth crime and fostering social justice. Effective stakeholder engagement creates a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are heard, ensuring that strategies reflect the real needs of the community. By involving various groups, we can develop tailored interventions that address the root causes of youth crime, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and systemic inequalities. This holistic approach not only enhances the effectiveness of crime prevention programs but also empowers young people, helping them feel valued and understood within their communities. Moreover, stakeholder engagement fosters transparency and trust, which are essential for successful implementation of social justice initiatives. When community members participate in the decision-making process, they are more likely to support and champion the strategies developed. This collective ownership leads to sustainable change, as it encourages ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all parties involved. By prioritizing stakeholder engagement, we can create pathways for youth that promote safety, equality, and opportunity, ultimately leading to healthier, more resilient communities. Together, we have the power to reshape the narrative around youth crime and work towards a more just society for all.

4

**PRESS RELEASE** (abbreviated) Unified Advocacy Groups Amplify Consumer Voices in Disability Support Services Review In a significant demonstration of unity, leading disability and advocacy organisations have come together to amplify the voices of consumers in the review of New Zealand's Disability Support Services (DSS). This joint submission, sent to the review panel chaired by Sir Maarten Wevers, and including Leanne Spice, and Reverend Murray Edridge, speaks up about the urgent and critical need for inclusive and equitable disability support across the nation. The review has been prompted by budget concerns at Whaikaha for currently recognised conditions receiving these services. However, it is essential for the government and the review panel to acknowledge the broader disability landscape in New Zealand as there is far more disability that goes unrecognised and unsupported. Thousands of individuals who should be entitled to services are not receiving the necessary support. The coalition of organisations—including ADHD New Zealand, ANZMES, Autism New Zealand, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes New Zealand, Epilepsy New Zealand, Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand, FASD-CAN Incorporated Aotearoa, Rare Disorders NZ, Stroke Foundation of New Zealand, and Tourettes Association of New Zealand—represents a diverse range of conditions that currently fall through the cracks of the existing DSS framework. This joint effort arises from the discontinuation of the Whaikaha DSS Eligibility Review Advisory Group, which previously served as a vital channel for direct consumer feedback from these organisations. To read the full submission click on the following link: https://lnkd.in/gk3avanq

3

One of the crushingly disappointing things about the National Cabinet's announcement is that the Expert Panel's recommendation for an audit into the massive gaps in funding for specialist women's, children's and LGBTIQ+SB services appears to have been mostly ignored. There is a possibility that men's DFSV will increase over the coming years and decades - or at least, our efforts across all realms of prevention and response might only be able to stem the tide. Improvements in gender equity is of course crucial, and hopefully these will accelerate. What do many men who use violence do when victim-survivors increase their resistance to his violence, and take major risks to attempt to create more space for action and dignity in their and their family's lives? Many men escalate their violence and/or widen their tactics to try to suppress her resistance. As more men over time lose some of their privilege and gender-based entitlements, as they need to, many will not see this as a 'win-win' for all people and for all genders (while many other men of course will). Many will see this as an attack on men. Is this backlash having an impact on overall rates of men's use of DFSV? If so, will this intensify in the years to come? As we enter an increasingly climate-stressed world, with governments and institutions ill-equipped to respond, there could be multiple pressures and reinforcers for the use of violence and coercion - both on an individual and institutional level. What happens to DFSV rates after a (climate-influenced) natural disaster? What might this be like in 20 or 30 years time with multiple, overlapping climate induced stressors? Our efforts have saved and continue to save so, so many lives that we are not aware of, and have enabled women, children and others to gain precious moments (and months and years) of freedom and dignity. We might be saving more lives than ever before at the same time as demand for our services (and possibly even rates of DFSV) increase. This might be our reality for a while to come, until we get to the other side, where the backlash fades (due to our crucial efforts in upstream primary prevention, among other things), and where (survivor-led) community responses to DFSV have strengthened without the need to rely predominantly on institutional responders. The National Cabinet announcement is a betrayal not only because of the massive strain faced by frontline services in the context of increasing demand, but also as we can't ignore the possibility that demand might continue to increase, or at least not reduce, for some years to come. Will our political leaders have the courage to face the reality of what we are struggling with on the ground? Irrespective of whether this courage arises, we can shoulder each other up in our work. Mutual aid to prevent burn-out is critical. Expressing opinions without violating others and destroying our collegial and solidarity relationships is critical. We have a movement to re/build.

65

7 Comments

FYI. More rules are being developed for the implementation of the changes to NDIS legislation. These ones are related to decisions about self-management of NDIS plans, setting time periods for getting funding and the categories your funding can be put in for access to it. The link below has access to easy read documents explaining the legislation and how you can have a say. I know for many of the advocates out there it is relentless, and you are exhausted. I hope that individuals can connect with their disability representative organisations to add to their feedback. The state and territory Ministers get a say on what is in these rules so it is really really important that they understand what it means for people with disability on the NDIS. I you send in feedback make sure you cc your state or territory disability Minister. The state and territory governments get to have a say and may make changes to these rules at the end after all the consultation done by DSS.

25

2 Comments

The marginal decision from Cumberland City Council to amend its Library Strategy 2024-27 to ban books merely reflecting the existence of same-sex parenting from its libraries is nothing less than absurd and dangerous. This hate will not stop at books and libraries. At the very minimum, this outrageous decision will provide a stronger platform for hate in local communities. How a strategy document espousing to "support an inclusive community which promotes diversity, community participation and promotes Council’s community vision of Welcome, Belong, Succeed" (Cumberland City Council, Draft Library Strategy 2024-27, p. 6) can be used as a vessel for this type of blatant discrimination and exclusion is beyond me. This decision exemplifies some of the challenges we face in a society with no less than three tiers of Government, at times in direct competition with each other on key issues. Please take a moment to sign this petition

38

1 Comment

Another report in less than two months that reveals the nexus between juvenile justice, child mistreatment and child protection. The count of these reports keeps rising, the findings and recommendations remain the same… the Australian Children’s Commissioner has cited that more than 3000 recommendations to improve the safety of children, strengthening of families and the improvement of community safety have already been put on the table. The cohort overwhelmingly held accountable for these system failures… children. The cohort who suffer life long consequences as a result of these system failures… children.

69

2 Comments

🍻 Pub Testing the NDIS Bill Part 3 of 6: “What do we want? Review rights & NDIS supports tailored to individual needs” 🍻 🚨 Content Warning 🚨 ⚠️ This video series discusses scenarios potentially leading to the preventable deaths of people with disabilities, including by suicide. Viewer discretion is advised. The Government is encouraged to respond meaningfully to our concerns.⚠️ This unscripted discussion addresses some of the things keeping disability advocates Uli Cartwright and Cat Walker up at night, and some of the concerns we covered in our submissions to the two Senate inquiries on the NDIS Bill which have not yet been addressed at the time of publication. After a very long day, we started from a discussion of the difficulty government officials seem to have understanding that debts against NDIS participants cannot exist unless somebody makes a subjective judgement that they have misspent their funds. The previous clip questioned the double standards and messaging around integrity, and the impact on participants. This one goes into review rights and why they matter in the context of compliance and changes to the definition of funded supports. All of the topics we touch on must be considered in the context of the potentially devastating consequences of vulnerable individuals receiving a government debt notice, as our submission co-author Kath Madgwick knows all too well. However, when it comes to WHAT we can access with our funds and how NDIS support is defined, there are also risks of other adverse outcomes – including death – if we cannot access supports we genuinely need, when we need them. And don't forget: Debts can still be raised on the 'in' list items. Targeted review rights for how a participant has spent their plan – and on what – are therefore not only essential procedural fairness, but would legally enforce a person-centred lens on determinations potentially resulting in a debt being raised. External scrutiny of that process is critical to ensure participants are not punished for failure of the Agency to provide appropriate support tailored to that individual's needs, because even when people do get it wrong, the first question should be if appropriate recognition of – and support for – that person's situation was lacking. Duty of care first, above all. We hope NDIS Minister Bill Shorten is listening. We hope the wider community is, too. (Bill Shorten might also like to unblock Uli on here.) Anthony Albanese Australian Labor Party Department of Social Services (DSS) Daniel White Uli Cartwright Kath Madgwick David Pocock Jordon Steele-John Jacqui Lambie Dr George Taleporos (GAICD, PhD) Rosemary Kayess Sam Paior JP, MAICD Corri McKenzie Chris Coombes Belinda Kochanowska Georgia van Toorn Annie Crowe ♿️♾️ ⭐️ Marayke Jonkers PLY (MAICD ) Samantha Connor William Ward-Boas Jarrod Sandell-Hay Helen Dickinson Ellen Gould Naomi Colville Jess Harper Mark Pietsch The Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association

8

2 Comments