The Disability Violence Project | Lobbyist

The Disability Violence Project

Phone: +61 7 3844 4200

Address: 2nd flr SOUTH CENTRAL 4101

Website: http://www.qai.org.au

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24.01.2022 Mr. Sackville - please listen carefully to the voices of people with disability. These are their stories, their lives. Do not re-traumatize them by doubts or excuses for systems and perpetrators of abuse. We know how victims of rape and domestic violence, child sex abuse are tortured by the disbelief leading to lifelong distrust and fear. This DRC is their opportunity to right so many wrongs for a better future. Our society has spurned Holocaust deniers - do not become a disability abuse and violence denier!

24.01.2022 This song is about a non compliant person. If someone has decisions made about them that they dont make themselves (or supported to make themselves) their life is not their own and choice and control does not exist for them. This is another reason why SIL should be abolished. SIL is the NDIS version of a group home. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=TbciIVnfyms

22.01.2022 Women with disability are around 40% more likely to experience domestic and family violence than other women (ANROWS, 2018). Right now, it’s hard to find domestic and family violence information resources that are just for women with disability. So as part of the Queensland Government’s plan to stop domestic and family violence, they are working with a company called Nous to create some. If you’re a woman with disability living in Queensland, you can help by doing a 10-15-mi...nute survey. The survey is to confirm that what Nous heard in their research is correct before they write a report recommending what resources to make. All responses are confidential, and you will not be asked to share any personal stories about domestic and family violence. The audience for the survey: women with disability who are over 18 and live in Queensland The purpose of the project: to develop information resources (e.g. website content, poster, brochures) about domestic and family violence specifically for women with disability (in Queensland) The purpose of the survey: to validate/confirm what we have heard in our research so far The timeframe: the survey will close at 11.59pm AEST on Sunday 6 December 2020 Complete the survey between now and 11.59pm AEST Sunday 6 December: https://tinyurl.com/y2zutfpy

19.01.2022 Our NDIS Appeals advocates have yet another brilliant webinar to discuss more beneficial alternatives to SIL and discussion on Core Supports https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ndis-possibilities-sil-core

19.01.2022 So an inclusive education policy doesnt keep students with disability safe from police https://www.abc.net.au//teenage-girl-with-cerebra/12008684

19.01.2022 Enough! No disabled people should be written off and left to die because of able bodied privilege and assumptions about the value of our lives #NoOneBehind #LivesWorthLiving #HighRiskCovid19 - join us, tell your stories, fight back

18.01.2022 Coat of Arms PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE THE HONOURABLE ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK Ministerial Statement - Wednesday, March 18, 2020... Check Against Delivery NATIONAL CABINET UPDATE The world, our country and our state are changing. Things will continue to change. They will continue to change by the day and by the week over the immediately foreseeable future as we deal with and confront the Coronavirus crisis an event we have not seen in our lifetimes, an event that is a once in 100 year event. Today I want to assure Queenslanders that we will get through it. We will get through it by working together, by supporting each other, by keeping calm heads and by listening to accurate, expert advice. Australia will continue to keep running. Queensland will continue to keep running. But this will take at least six months for us to get through. And it may be longer. So, decisions need to be made. Critical decisions. Important decisions. Last night the National Cabinet met and I want to keep Queenslanders informed about those critical decisions that were made at the meeting. From the outset, let me say I have never before experienced such cooperation, such cohesion and such support among the state and territory Premiers and the Federal Government and that is crucial during this extremely difficult time. It is absolutely paramount that we cooperate with each other so we can respond to this crisis and so we can ensure that our country continues to run as smoothly as possible. Its vital we keep Queenslanders working, its critical we keep Queenslanders safe, its crucial that we support each other, particularly our most vulnerable. Rumour and speculation have no place in this current situation. I urge all Queenslanders to ignore it on the internet, on social media and even to an extent sometimes in the mainstream media. Rumour and speculation should be treated with scepticism and, in the meantime, I encourage all Queenslanders to listen to state and federal leaders and to Chief Health Officers for accurate, precise, up-to-date information. The measures agreed to by the National Cabinet are fundamentally and rightly about containment and limiting the spread of this virus. All Queenslanders can be confident in our system. But the Federal Government has now declared a Human Biosecurity Emergency which allows it to take action under the Biosecurity Act. That does not mean that it is a time for panic. It is a time for important decisions to be made to keep all Australians safe. Overseas travel by Australians is no longer an option. I repeat the words of the Prime Minister DO NOT GO OVERSEAS. The biggest threat to our country with this virus has been Australians returning from other countries. Bans on indoor gatherings of more than 100 people for non-essential purposes will be enforced in Queensland. What is the difference between essential and non-essential? The list is still being finalised but the Prime Minister said a number of essential gatherings would include considerations such as airports, public transport, medical and emergency facilities jails, courts, the Parliament, business premises, construction and mining sites, schools, universities, child care centres, hotels, motels and other places where people are transient like supermarkets and the Queen Street Mall, for examples. I stress that whatever gathering you are attending, social distancing should be practiced everybody has a duty to do this, every single one of us and we must set the example. Additionally, the ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 500 remains in place. There will be no change to domestic air travel because it is considered low risk. However, parts of the country such as vulnerable indigenous communities should be avoided to limit the spread of the virus. And there will be further discussions about this over the coming days and I ask for peoples patience as we work through these incredibly complex issues. Schools will remain open based on the best possible health advice. The advice tells us that this virus operates differently in children. But if your child appears to be ill, keep them at home. Dont send them to school. If you are a teacher or a cleaner or work in the office at a school and you are unwell, you must stay at home. That is very important. It is not just students and teachers it is other people who work at the school. If you are unwell you must stay home. We cannot disrupt our schools for what will be at least six months that would be catastrophic and, as I said, the decision is based on the best possible health advice. In relation to aged care facilities, strict restrictions will now come into place. The following visitors and staff, including visiting workers should not be permitted and will not be permitted to enter an aged care facility, such as: Those who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days; Those who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days; Those with fever or symptoms or acute respiratory infection, those who haven't been vaccinated against influenza after the 1st of May. The facilities must also implement the following measures for restricting visits and visitors to reduce the risk of transmission to residents. This is very important for all Queenslanders to understand and all Queenslanders I ask you to please listen to the advice and obey this advice. Limiting visits to a short duration: Limiting visits to a maximum of two visitors at one time per day. These may be immediate social supports, family members, close friends or professional service or advocacy workers; Visits should be conducted in a resident's room, outdoors or in a specific area designated by the facility, rather than communal areas where the risk of transmission to other residents is greater; There should be no large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment, to be permitted at this time; No school groups or baby groups of any size should be allowed to visit aged care facilities; Visitors should be encouraged, as all Australians are, to practice social distancing, where possible; Children aged 16 years or less should be visiting only by exception, as they generally won't necessarily follow the hygiene measures all the time like adults will and children can be asymptomatic. In cases of end of life, very tough decisions will have to be made and rules will have to be done on a facility by facility basis, as everybody understands that this is an incredibly personal family time and the intention is not to restrict family during those times. As Queenslanders also will already be aware, Anzac Day ceremonies will be cancelled across this state. This is unavoidable. There will be a televised national event from the Canberra war memorial. We are living in a different world today to the world that we knew yesterday, last week or last year. It is a rapidly changing world and we need to be prepared for that. That means helping each other, supporting each other and respecting each other. Some of the behaviour I have seen in our state recently and around the country has shocked and it has saddened me. People continue to raid supermarkets and other shops with the intention of hoarding. It is not necessary. We are not going to run out of food in Queensland. I understand that people are anxious, they are stressed but it saddens me that some Queenslanders are behaving this way at the expense of others. And I think we all need to be conscious that some people have more access to money than others. Some of our most vulnerable members of our community live week by week or paycheque by paycheque. People going into supermarkets and raiding them at this particular point in time or hoarding is putting the lives of some of our less fortunate in our society at great risk. This is a very important social message and the media and the public and the leaders of this House have to stand up and show leadership in their community. I say stop it. Stop it today. Lets show the great Queensland spirit and instead, put your energies into caring for your family, your friends, your community, your neighbours. By doing that together we will get through this together. ENDS Unsubscribe

18.01.2022 QAI celebrates NAIDOC week from next Monday. We look forward to celebrating the lives of our First People, addressing wrongs and working towards Reconcilation. #NAIDOC2020

16.01.2022 They may have been found guilty but its unlikely sufficient will be done to atone for the damage to this poor man... if this had been a person attacking police officers in their homes the person would be convicted. Its time for all police to be trained in responding appropriately to mental health. Perhaps the only atonement would be for the officers to do community service for this man.. what do you think? https://amp.abc.net.au/article/12488008

16.01.2022 Just a reminder about this survey which will help guide the Queensland government development of resources for women with disability in Qld. experiencing domestic and family violence. The deadline has been extended to 11.59PM AEST Sunday 13 December 2020.

15.01.2022 Spatial distancing - stay in touch with zoom, FaceTime, phone or email - don't be socially isolated - just physically

14.01.2022 CONTENT WARNING: Extremely disturbing and distressing content to follow. - -... - - Another one to break all our hearts. Willow was only four years old. Allegedly starved by those who were entrusted with her precious life. Every child deserves love and care. Every child deserves to flourish. And whatever the criminal case may find, this little girl was let down by every adult and every system in her life. We HAVE to do better. Here is the story. But please be warned the details are very distressing - https://7news.com.au//police-probe-whether-brisbane-girl-f? At 7pm EST tonight there is an online vigil for Willow, held by the Down syndrome community around Australia. You can join by using the hashtags #HerNameIsWillow and #T21Community and light a candle for a precious child who deserved so much better and was failed so terribly. NOTE: We are a community of people with disability and their families. This story touches all of us. We are devastated and heartbroken. But we are also angry. If you find yourself struggling after reading this story or any of the media coverage of little Willow's death, please reach out for help. Here are some numbers you may find helpful: National Counselling and Referral Service 1800 421 468 or 02 6146 1468 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052 Or if you think you could benefit from speaking to an advocate, find someone near you from https://www.dana.org.au/find-an-advocate/ (Image description: A black square with the words "Rest in Peace Willow Dunn" in blue lettering. Underneath there are two hashtags #HerNameIsWillow and #T21Community. There is an illustration of three candles in the right hand corner of the square )

14.01.2022 In response to the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, and the resulting escalation of public health measures to slow the spread and impact of this vi...rus, QAI is suspending face-to-face service delivery, effective from close of business Tuesday 17 March 2020. We remain open to business. Staff are working remotely and we are available via our usual telephone, email, website and social media contacts. We will update you if the advice from government causes us to change our service delivery. We wish you all the best during this challenging time See more

14.01.2022 This story is in USA, but is indicative of how people with disability are viewed as different merely by communicating in diverse ways. Here it would most likely be someone with mental illness https://www.google.com//king-n-police-kill-unarmed-deaf-mu

13.01.2022 Subject: Express your interest in a focus group about the impact of domestic and family violence on people with disability The Queensland Government Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women is developing a Communication and Engagement Strategy to raise awareness and understanding of domestic and family violence against people with disability in Queensland. The Social Deck, in partnership with Griffith University, are conducting research to inform the strategy, which inclu...des holding a series of focus groups with people working in the disability and domestic and family violence sectors who work directly with people with disability and/or survivors. They are also engaging with people with disability and their families/carers in other, separate focus groups and interviews. The focus groups will be held online between 14 and 18 September (date and time TBC). The purpose of the focus groups is to understand the experiences and perspectives of people who support and provide services to people with disability, and people affected by domestic and family violence. The focus groups will explore: what can be done to increase awareness and improve attitudes in the broader community when it comes to responding to domestic and family violence against people with disability how we can ensure improved understanding to identify and respond to concerns of domestic and family violence, and awareness of the services available, among support people, health professionals, and others who support people with disability. You can register your interest through an online EOI form, which can be completed at this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx Please note that numbers for the focus groups are limited and will be selected to represent a variety of viewpoints. Selected participants will be contacted directly regarding the next steps. If you have questions about the consultations or need help to complete the EOI, please email The Social Deck at [email protected] or phone 0491 617 118.

12.01.2022 In Victoria it seems that police responses are violent and they still have no understanding of mental illness https://www.theaustralian.com.au//918b6e72bf964d197c0f4532

12.01.2022 This story is from the UK but as we know - a lot of what happens there ends up here

11.01.2022 https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au//brokerage-emergency-crisis-pa

10.01.2022 https://www.google.com.au//s/amp.abc.net./article/12315422

09.01.2022 Symptomatic behaviour of serious abusers - when those charged with the care of vulnerable people devalue and dehumanize them! https://www.theaustralian.com.au//9a5ac0024ec02130e08e5b30

09.01.2022 "This is not just an old persons problem." What exactly is self-isolation, and why is it important? Dr Norman Swan explains.

08.01.2022 UPDATE: Most of QAI staff returned to our offices on Monday 13th July with new space to assist with safe distancing. Our advocacy services have not had noticea...ble downturn in demand and need for our services so while it has been business ongoing - it has not been at all usual. Where possible we will still deliver most services by phone, email or video linkage, and only in exceptional circumstances will face to face meetings be conducted. Advocates have created some safeguards for clients and staff to ensure that where necessary, any in-person contact will be managed with safety for all concerned. Take care Queenslanders! QAI COMMITS TO CONTINUING ADVOCACY SERVICES QAI Management and Staff are, like everyone, trying to do our best to understand and respond to the best of our abilities to the unique risks presented by COVID-19. We are a creative and dynamic organisation and prioritise our commitment to support, defend, protect and promote the needs, rights and lives of the people we serve. The QAI Response Team are Michelle OFlynn (Director), Emma Phillips (Deputy Director & Principal Solicitor) and Carly Dennis (Principal Solicitor). While many of our staff have moved to working from home and we are working hard to ensure that our technology and structure will support new ways of working, we will continue to provide our service. Our creative staff already have experience working via email, phone and video link to outreach people and this will continue. Face-to-face service delivery is suspended at present, although we will find ways and means to ensure that critical moments are dealt with appropriately. We remain open for business and are available via our usual telephone, email, website and social media contacts. We care about you and will check in with you about any advocacy actions undertaken and work with you just as we always do. As a caring organisation we are also doing all we can to ensure the safety and well-being of our own staff. Just as every person is learning to improve on everyday things like hygiene and cleaning, we too will find new and innovative ways to ensure that we meet the needs of clients, stakeholders and allies. However, as we build a new approach to advocacy support, there may be delays in response, or different ways of responding. Please keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Twitter as these may be the best means of communicating should there be any technical glitches. We will also need to hear from you if you are required to self-isolate. We welcome information from you in whichever form you can communicate with us. On behalf of QAIs Management Committee and staff, I wish you all the best during this challenging time. I firmly believe that we will all emerge from these difficult times with new ways to support and advocate and will continue to deliver excellent outcomes for clients, allies and the disability sector. We will update you if the advice from government causes us to make any further changes to our service delivery. We urge you to keep safe and follow the advice from the Queensland and Australian Governments. Michelle O'Flynn, Director

07.01.2022 Breaking news this morning ... The Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert has announced the board for the NDIS. Nine of the existing board, including the Chair Ms ...Helen Nugent, have been reappointed. Two board members will leave when their terms are finished. There is one new appointment - Professor Jane Burns. Professor Burns is Professor of Innovation and Chair of the Centre for Mental Health at Swinburne University and has had a long career in the field of mental health. Professor Burns also has a son with Down syndrome. That leaves one person with a disability on the Board - Mr John Walsh. Mr Walsh is one of two members who have been on the board since the beginning of the scheme. He is also the Chair of the NDIA's Independent Advisory Council. One board member with a disability. One. Let that sink in. And tell us again how the scheme is being built around people with disability? The Minister's press release is now on the NDIS website - https://www.ndis.gov.au//4090-board-appointments-position- #NDISMakeItWork (Image description: A red rectangle with the words "Breaking News" in white capital letters. Underneath the words you can see the Every Australian Counts logo and the words "NDIS: Make It Work)

06.01.2022 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT From the Director of QAI While our communities and in particular people with disability struggle with the Covid19 world, I want to give you... all a little insight into the people who work at QAI. It is time to pay homage to a group of truly magnificent people who haven't wavered in their commitment to the people we serve and support or to this organisation. Working remotely can have its advantages, but our team is dynamic and benefits greatly from their collaborations and brainstorming and just being around each other - great hearts and minds in synchronicity. I am extremely proud of all our team and very grateful to work with such wonderful people. Managing to keep our clients comfort and wellbeing uppermost while also for some, homeschooling and supporting each other is no easy juggle. Then the challenges of migration to a totally new IT system - we must also commend #TeamLogix for their great care and attention in assisting us with this - we have grown so much in three years and moving all our data was a mammoth job. I know how difficult and hectic it has been, yet the staff at QAI have taken such trials without complaint, with dedication to overcoming problems, and most of all - with commitment to our clients and to QAI. Our newer staff members who just joined the ranks prior to this Virus World, were flung to the outer regions just as they were trying to get acquainted with their co-workers and their roles - it cannot have been easy and to carry on and work remotely can be extremely isolating. They have all been resilient and displayed the strength our clients need. To all the staff at QAI you have my utmost admiration and respect for the complete professionalism and stoic resolve that you have all shown in the face of adversity, the care and commitment demonstrated every day. Thank you for all that you are and for all that you do. Michelle O'Flynn Director.

06.01.2022 Read QAI's media release to "#MakeitSafetoSpeak" at the DRC. QAI joins our allies Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPOA) and urges the government to ...pass legislation to protect the confidentiality of submissions made to the Disability Royal Commission. https://www.qai.org.au//makeitsafetospeak-qai-calls-for-l/

06.01.2022 STATEMENT FROM THE HON. CORALEE OROURKE MP: It is with the deepest sadness and regret that I announce I will not be contesting the seat of Mundingburra at the ...upcoming Queensland State election. Throughout the years, I have been open and honest with our community about my battle with breast cancer. I have been open about the treatment I have received, the status of my recovery and my longstanding desire to always return and resume my service to the Mundingburra community. Following additional surgery in recent weeks, I have come to the realisation that I need to focus all my attention on my health for my wellbeing, for my family, and for our community and that is why Ive had to make this difficult decision. I am proud of the work that we have achieved in the past five years such as delivering the North Queensland Stadium, delivering more police for the Townsville community and standing up for workers when Queensland Nickel closed its doors. I am also particularly proud to have secured the delivery of the new Townsville Womens Centre and The Oasis Townsville which will both offer vital support services to members of our local community for many years to come. It has been my greatest privilege to serve the community of Mundingburra for the past five years as their elected member, and it has been the biggest honour of my life to serve Queenslanders as the Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors.

05.01.2022 SORRY DAY In 2008 the Australian Government formally apologized to the Stolen Generations and their families. The national Apology to the Stolen Generations ack...nowledged the trauma and grief suffered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a result of past government policies, particularly the removal of children from their families. The Healing Foundation recognizes their ongoing journey and funds many projects addressing the distinct healing needs of Stolen Generations. Their work is led by an expert reference group made up of Stolen Generations survivors from around Australia - an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Organisation that partners with community organisations to address the ongoing trauma caused by the actions like forced removal of children from their families. Their work helps people create a different future. A part of the Healing Foundation is NARRAGUNNAWALI https://healingfoundation.org.au/

03.01.2022 Politicians abuse of PwD reaches new low!

03.01.2022 Please note: QAI is closely following public health advice and has a COVID-19 Workplace Health and Safety Plan in place to protect the safety of our staff, clients and the community. At times, our service may be delivered differently but we remain open for business and we are available via our usual telephone, email, website and social media contacts. We wish you all the best during this challenging time.

02.01.2022 A useless NDIS Commission that provides no safeguards and only looks at complaints not quality - no wonder this is still happening https://www.theage.com.au//ndis-participants-subjected-to-