Systemic advocacy is an important part of PWdWA’s work. We are committed to ensuring the voice of our members and people with disabilities in WA are heard.

2023

United Nations Conference of State Parties number 16- The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability

PWdWA Board member Danielle Loizou-Lake attended the United Nations COSP16 in July, read her report here.

COSP16 - Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability. (Word)

COSP16 - Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (PDF)

 

Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport

One in six people aged 15 years and over with disability have difficulty using public transport. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) seeks to eliminate discrimination, as far as possible, against people with disability. Public transport is a service covered by the DDA.

Disability Standards for Public Transport Review (Word)

DIsabilty Standards for Public Transport Review (PDF)
 

Western Australian Disability Legislation Submission

The Disability Services Act 1993 is the current legislation relating to the provision and regulation of State-led disability services and related matters in Western Australia (WA).  A consultation looks to reform and modernise Western Australia's disability legislation. 

WA Disability Legislation Review Submission (Word)

WA Disability Legislation Review Submission (PDF)

 

NDIS Review Submission

The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Hon. Bill Shorten MP. Announced a review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).  The review will look at the design, operations and sustainability of the NDIS.  It will also look at ways to make the market and workforce more responsive, supportive and sustainable.

An overarching goal of the Review is to put people with disability back at the centre of the NDIS. It aims to help restore trust, confidence and pride in the NDIS.

Building a strong, effective NDIS (Word)

Building a strong, effective NDIS (PDF)

Disability Service Act Review - DRO Joint Submission

PWdWA endorsed a submission made regarding the proposal to repeal and replace the Disability Services Act of 1986.  The repeal would provide an opportunity to modernise the understanding in the new legislative framework.  PWdWA joined with other Disability Representative Organisations and individuals to make this submission.  This submission was created by another organisation and is in PDF format, if your screen reader is unable to access the built-in accessibility please contact Vanessa.

Disability Service Act Review - PDF

2022

If you would like any of the following submissions presented to you in an alternative format for your accessibility please contact our Communications Officer Vanessa on 9420 7279 ext 717 or email [email protected].

Disability Royal Commission - The impact of and responses to the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic for People with Disability

PWdWA has provided the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability a submission into the experiences of people with disability during the Omicron wave of the pandemic.

DRC - Omicron Wave (PDF)

DRC - Omicron Wave (Word)

Department of Communities Western Australia - Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DIAP) Feedback

This submission is to the Department of Communities to provide feedback on the draft DAIP.

Department of Communities DIAP feedback (PDF)

Department of Communities DIAP feedback (Word) 

Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - Inquiry into Current Scheme Implementation and Forecasting for the NDIS

The points raised in this submission are informed by trends in our individual advocacy services and community and sector consultation, and from an online community survey we ran to provide an accessible way for people with disabilities to contribute to the inquiry via our submission.  We have also included information from our NDIS Transition and Interfaces project, which ran in 2019-2020. 

PWdWA submission -  Inquiry into Current Scheme Implementation and Forecasting for the NDIS (PDF)

PWdWA submission -  Inquiry into Current Scheme Implementation and Forecasting for the NDIS (Word)

2021

NDIS Legislative Improvements and the Participant Service Guarantee

This submission to the Department of Social Services (DSS) is to provide comment for their consultation on Proposed NDIS legislative improvements and the Participant Service Guarantee. 

 Our response to this consultation is based on the experience of people accessing our Individual Advocacy service as well as our collaborations across the disability sector.

We are pleased to see several positive steps forward as part of the suit of amendments being proposed.  There are several areas where we believe the amendments while heading in the right direction, need further revisions. We have outlined in key areas potential consequences of the proposed changes and highlighted where there are opportunities for improvement.

Proposed NDIS Legislative Improvements and the Participant Service Guarantee (PDF)

Proposed NDIS Legislative Improvements and the Participant Service Guarantee (Word)

Equal Opportunity Act

This submission to the  Law Reform Commission WA is to provide comment for the review of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 WA.  Our submission is compiled on the experiences of people with disability, their families, and carers. 

The scope of this review is comprehensive given the various Grounds for discrimination covered by the Act. As an organisation whose focus is providing advocacy for people with disabilities our submission is limited to the terms of reference specifically relating to disability, or where we have provided individual advocacy. We acknowledge that many people with disabilities will have experienced issues of discrimination relating to other Grounds under the Act, and in many cases, these Grounds will intersect. 

Equal Opportunity Act (PDF)

Equal Opportunity Act (Word)

NDIA Consultation Paper - Supporting You to Make Your Own Decisions (NDIS)

This submission highlights additional issues experienced through our work and provides feedback on the NDIS Proposed Support for Decision-Making Policy. The recommendations made in this submission are based on people's experiences with disability, their families and carers, and advocates and advisors who provide information and support to people. They are underpinned by the provisions in the UNCRPD and best-practice models of supported decision-making.

PWdWA-WAIS Consultation Paper - Supporting You to Make Your Own Decisions (PDF)

National Disability Employment Strategy

This submission provides recommendations developed through our work in employment, including advocating with and on behalf of individuals who have experienced difficulties with employment services and are seeking assistance in having issues and complaints against employers resolved.  The submission also provides recommendations that PWdWA strongly urges the Australian Government to consider in developing the NDES. These recommendations have been developed due to issues brought to our attention through our individual advocacy and systemic education work. 

PWdWA National Disability Employment Strategy Submission (PDF)

PWdWA National Disability Employment Strategy Submission (Word)

Disability Support Pension Senate Enquiry Submission

PWdWA has provided the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs with comments for reviewing the purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension (DSP).

PWdWA submission - DSP Senate Standing Committee Submission (PDF)

PWdWA submission - DSP Senate Standing Committee Submission (Word)

Disability Royal Commission Promoting Inclusion Issues Paper

In this issues paper, PWdWA addresses the impact of the inclusion of people with disability.  The issue of inclusion is wide-ranging, and for people with disability, it impacts all areas of their lives.

PWdWA submission - Disability Royal Commission Promoting Inclusion Issues Paper (PDF)

PWdWA submission - DIsability Royal Commission Promoting Inclusion Issues Paper (Word)

Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS - Inquiry into Independent Assessments

This submission provides positions and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on NDIA proposed changes to the NDIS through in introduction of Independent Assessments.

PWdWA-WAiS Submission - Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS - Inquiry into Independent Assessments (PDF)

PWdWA-WAiS Submission - Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS - Inquiry into Independent Assessments (Word)

NDIS Planning Policy for Personalised Budgets and Plan Flexibility

This submission provides positions and recommendations to the NDIA based on issues brought to the attention of PWdWA and WAiS through our work and consultations and surveys with people, families and carers.

PWdWA -WAiS Submission - Planning Policy for Personalised Budgets and Plan Flexibility (PDF)

NDIS Access and Eligibility Policy with Independent Assessments

This submission provides several recommendations from PWdWA and WAiS to the NDIS based on people's experiences with disability, their families and carers, and advocates and advisors who provide information and support to people. PWdWA and WAiS are concerned with the NDIA's proposed changes and the lack of co-design or consultation.

PWdWA - WAiS Submission  -  Access and Eligibility Policy with Independent Assessments (PDF)

PWdWA - WAiS Submission  -  Access and Eligibility Policy with Independent Assessments (Word)
 

Disability Royal Commission Quality and Safeguards Issue Paper

PWdWA provided comments to the Disability Royal Commission on safeguards and quality services.  In this submission, PWdWA has provided comments on issues and gaps and recommendations for improving outcomes for people with disability.

PWdWA submission - Disability Royal Commission Safeguards and Quality Services (PDF)

PWdWA submission - Disability Royal Commission Safeguards and Quality Services (Word)

2020

2020 Review of the Disability (Access to Premises - Building) Standards 2010

This response has been compiled on the experiences of people with disabilities, their families, and carers around the issue of accessing community and public premises. Having accessible premises is fundamental to ensuring that people with disability can live independently and participate fully in all aspects of their lives.

PWdWA Consultation Response - 2020 Review of the Disability (Access to Premises - Building) Standards 2010 (PDF)

PWdWA Consultation Response - 2020 Review of the Disability (Access to Premises - Building) Standards 2010 (Word)

Revised Code of Inspection Standards for Adult Custodial Services

The difficulties and discrimination faced by people with disability are often magnified in custodial settings.  This includes accessing appropriate care and support, complying with rules, and participating in recreation, education and employment activities that do not consider the adjustments they may need.  This submission outlines several recommendations that have been developed as a result of issues brought to our attention through our individual advocacy and systemic work.

PWdWA 2020 Revised Code of Inspection Standards for Adult Custodial Services (PDF)

Future conduct of elections operating during times of emergency

This submission provides the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters with recommendations regarding ensuring people with disability can exercise their political rights to ensure the election process is equitable and accessible.

PWdWA submission - Inquiry on the future conduct of elections operating during times of emergencies (PDF)

PWdWA submission - Inquiry on the future conduct of elections operating during times of emergencies (Word)

Public consultation for the NDS and NDIS Outcomes Frameworks

People with Disabilities (WA) Inc. (PWdWA) has provided the Department of Social Services (DSS) comment on the Draft Outcomes Framework (the Outcomes Framework) that aims to improve outcomes for people with disability under the National Disability Strategy (NDS) and the NDIS.  This submission provides several recommendations that PWdWA strongly urges DSS to consider. These recommendations have been developed due to issues brought to our attention through our individual advocacy work and systemic work, and collaboration with other disability advocacy organisations.
 
 

National Disability Strategy

This submission is in response to the Position Paper from the Department of Social Services looking towards a new strategy focusing on community attitudes, taking action and ensuring accountability.

PWdWA Submission - National Disability Strategy Response (PDF)

PWdWA Submission - National Disability Strategy Response (Word)

Review of the Disability Standard for Education 2005

People With disabilities WA has provided the Australian Government, Department of Education and Skills and Employment with a submission into their review of the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

PWdWA Submission - Disability Standards for Education 2005 review (PDF)

PWdWA Submission - Disability Standards for Education 2005 review (Word)

Disability Royal Commission on Restrictive Practices

People With disabilities WA has provided a submission to the Disability Royal Commission regarding the use of restrictive practices.

PWdWA Submission - Restrictive Practices(PDF)

PWdWA Submission - Restrictive Practices(Word)

NDIS discussion paper:  Support Coordination

People With disabilities WA has provided comments for the review into the operation of the current support coordination service model.

PWdWA discussion paper - Support Coordination(PDF)

PWdWA discussion paper - Support Coordination(Word)

Residential Act Review

People With disabilities WA has provided a submission to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Consumer Protection Division) in response to the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) covering the proposed reforms to the tenancy legislation.  

PWdWA submission - Residential Act Review (PDF)

PWdWA submission - Residential Act Review (Word)

Systemic Advocacy for People with Disability WA Project

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Transition and Interface Issues.

This project has gathered the experiences of individuals, families and carers as the NDIS scheme rolled out in WA. A group of co-design participants have heard the issues and provided recommendations for changes to the NDIA.

This final report has been submitted to the National Disability Insurance Agency, the State Minister for Disability Services, and the Commonwealth Government Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee on the NDIS.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Transition and Interface Issues (PDF)

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Transition and Interface Issues – Easy Read Report (PDF)

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Transition and Interface Issues – Easy Read Report (Text only Word)

Impact of COVID-19 SENATE Inquiry

People living with disabilities are at higher risk of contracting COVID 19 and experiencing complications associated with the infection.  This submission responds to an inquiry by the Senate about the impact of COVID and the Government response. Case Study examples have been included in this submission to illustrate further how people living with disabilities have been impacted during this crisis. 

All governments must take note of the critical issues experienced by people living with disabilities, as outlined in this submission.

A set of Recommendations has been included in this submission to assist the Federal and State governments in being better prepared should the second wave of COVID#19 infections occur.

PWdWA Impact of COVID19 Submission (word)

PWdWA Impact of COVID19 Submission (PDF)

NDIS Act Review and Participant Service Guarantee (Tune Review)

People with Disabilities (WA) Inc. (PWdWA) provided this submission to the Australian Government – Department of Social Services (DSS) review into the operation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act). People’s fair access to supports under the NDIS is an essential aspect of PWdWA’s advocacy work at systemic and individual levels. Our submission is compiled on the experiences of people with disability, their families and carers. PWdWA is highly concerned with the rising number of issues our advocates consider about NDIS. The points raised in this submission reflect the hundreds of people we have assisted in advocacy on NDIS over the past year (300 in 2018-19). 

This submission provides several recommendations that PWdWA strongly urges DSS to consider. These recommendations have been developed due to issues brought to our attention through our individual advocacy work and systemic NDIS work, including our NDIS Experience Survey. Consumers of Mental Health WA (COMHWA) have expressly provided input and recommendations for our responses to the Participant Service Guarantee. Our answers are also informed through PWDWA collaboration with Advocacy WA, Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre, Explorability, Sussex Street Community Legal Service, Midlas and Your Say. Advocacy organisations are highly concerned that the number and complexity of cases relating to NDIS are increasing due to issues with the current legislation, and we are unable to meet the demand for advocacy on NDIS issues currently.

Submission to NDIS Act Review and Participant Guarantee (PDF)

Submission to NDIS Act Review and Participant Guarantee (Word)

Inquiry into climate change and its impact on health and health systems  

The WA Department of Health asked us to submit on the issue of climate change impacting people with disability. People with disabilities will likely be adversely affected by climate change before other groups. As a demographic, people with disabilities are more likely to have other health conditions, are more likely to be reliant on technology and require access to specialised equipment and resources to live the best life they can, and are less likely to be able to quickly respond without support to extreme situations of flood, heat, bushfire. As the impact of climate change is being felt, it is people with disabilities who are being impacted first, with temperature increases and energy supply having a significant impact.

Submission to WA Health on Climate Change impact (PDF)

Submission to WA Health on Climate Change impact (Word)

The Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee on the NDIS: The Inquiry into the NDIS.

PWdWA has provided a submission to the committee on the inquiry into the three areas of the NDIS;

  • General Issues around implementation performance of the NDIS
  • NDIS Planning
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL)

PWdWA provides ongoing advocacy to individuals engaging with the NDIS processes. Many issues are being considered by the advocates about NDIS. In the 2018-2019 Financial Year, NDIS represented one-third of all issues dealt with by PWdWA. This is outside the specific funding received to assist people with NDIS Appeals. The requests for advocacy support on NDIS issues continue to grow. The points raised in this submission reflect the hundreds of people we have assisted in advocacy on NDIS over the past year (300 in 2018-19). Quotes and graphs are taken from our survey, with over 300 respondents as of the first week of September 2019, and the focus groups we have attended and facilitated.

Submission to NDIS Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee 2019 (PDF)

Submission to NDIS Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee 2019 (Word) 

The impact of changes to service delivery models on the administration and running of Government programs: Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee

This submission will focus on the following sections of the terms of reference:

C. the broader outsourcing of functions in the Human Services portfolio and at the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), including:

ii. the impact of capped staffing numbers and the efficiency dividend at government departments/agencies, and

iv. the impact outsourcing has on service provision.

Submission on the impact of staff caps and call centre NDIS (PDF) 

Submission on the impact of staff caps and call centre NDIS (Word)

Accessibility of Offices of Members of Parliament in WA 2019

People With Disabilities (WA) Inc. (PWdWA) has recently conducted a project which sought to address the following question: how accessible (or inaccessible) are the offices of WA Members of Parliament (MPs)? To answer this, the Project Officer: created an accessibility checklist, delivered training to volunteers on how to use the list, matched volunteers to their local MP office, coordinated the logistics of the reviews, and reviewed and analysed the final results. Ultimately, in light of ongoing concerns surrounding a lack of basic disability access, this project has determined that the offices of WA MPs are currently only accessible to people with disabilities to a limited extent.

Final Report on Accessibility of MP offices WA (PDF)

Final Report on Accessibility of MP Offices WA (Word)

Inquiry into Short Stay Accommodation Parliament of Western Australia

This submission is in response to an Inquiry by the Economics and Industry Standing Committee. Short stay accommodation is one of the holiday accommodation options now available to the general public. Its form has changed with the digital disruption of models such as Airbnb and Stayz to include many more houses, units, and apartments classified as residential dwellings. Currently, residential homes are not required to provide universal disability access. Therefore, the vast majority (over 99%) of short-stay accommodation advertised for the public cannot be accessed by people with a mobility disability and is not likely to be safe for people with other disabilities such as blindness and deafness.

Submission  on Short Stay Accommodation (PDF)

Submission on Short Stay Accommodation (word)

Shelter WA and PWdWA provided a supplementary submission in response to questions raised during the hearing.

Supplementary Submission (PDF)

Review of the National Disability Standards for Transport 2018 Submission

This submission responds to the issues paper on the Third Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) released on 17 December 2017.

People with Disabilities (WA) conducted a survey and focus group in 2014 and again in 2018 to gain feedback on the accessibility of transport. The 2018 survey had 75 respondents, and the focus group had 35 participants. This submission incorporates this feedback.

Submission PWDWA Third Review Transport Standards 2018

Review of the NDIS SDA Pricing and Payments Framework – Joint submission

This submission is made jointly by 20 organisations that are advocates for people with disability or providers of SDA housing and are experienced with the way the SDA Framework operates. The submission outlines key concerns about the SDA Framework that are hampering the potential to build a diverse, innovative and responsive SDA market meeting the housing needs and preferences of participants.

Review of the NDIS SDA Pricing and Payments Framework – Joint submission (PDF)

Elder Abuse National Plan Consultation

PWdWA is supportive of the Attorney-General’s proposed National Plan on Elder Abuse. This is a key step forward in creating a nationally consistent approach to the issue of Elder Abuse. While we are not providing a comprehensive response to the Consultation Paper, we would like to highlight the need to include people with disabilities in any actions or initiatives proposed under the plan.

Elder Abuse National Plan Consultation (Word)

Senate inquiry: The need for regulation of mobility scooters, also known as motorised wheelchairs

In December 2017, the Senate moved that the motion by Senator John Williams for ‘the need for regulation of mobility scooters, also known as motorised wheelchairs’ be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry. PWdWA has provided a submission based on feedback from all members of the organisation, many of whom use powered mobility devices.

Senate inquiry: The need for regulation of mobility scooters, also known as motorised wheelchairs (Word)

WA Parliament Inquiry into End of Life Choices - Joint Submission by PWdWA and AFDO

PWdWA and AFDO acknowledge the significant moral and ethical complexity that is associated with the concept of assisted dying. There is a range of views in the disability community about access to assisted dying.

WA Parliament Inquiry into End of Life Choices - Joint Submission by PWdWA and AFDO (PDF)

Response to Subsequent Questions from the Joint Select Committee – End of life Inquiry (Word)

Western Australian Legislative Council Inquiry into Elder Abuse 

PWdWA is an organisation that represents people with disability and, as such does not profess to be an expert in matters affecting elderly people. However, evidence supports that abuse and neglect that elderly people encounter in their daily lives is mirrored in those issues faced by people with disability due to the similar circumstances of the likelihood of increased isolation, vulnerability, and reliance on others for support. PWdWA has a great deal of evidence, knowledge and understanding in this area and is qualified in providing information that affects both groups of people.

Western Australian Legislative Council Inquiry into Elder Abuse (Word)

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Quality and Safeguards Commission and other measures) Bill 2017. – Joint submission with DDWA

People with Disabilities (WA) Inc. (PWdWA) and Development Disability WA (DDWA) joint submission. The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Quality and Safeguards Commission and other measures) Bill 2017 establishes the Commonwealth’s regulatory responsibilities under the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework. We strongly urge the Government to instruct a Royal Commission to investigate the abuse and neglect of people with disability. We welcome that the Bill will establish a Quality and Safeguards Commission to provide national stability for quality and safeguards for people who use NDIS services.

Senate inquiry into the delivery of outcomes under the National Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020

This submission presented by PWdWA considers how effective the National Disability Strategy has been in achieving better outcomes for people with disability since its inception seven years ago.  The submission is based on direct feedback from people with disability, their families and carers and data from other relevant submissions PWDWA have provided that relate to the six key areas of the National Disability Strategy.

Senate inquiry into the delivery of outcomes under the National Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020 (Word)

Senate inquiry into the value and affordability of private health insurance and out of pocket medical costs

The submission is a synopsis of the survey of PWdWA’s members who have a disability or are a family member or carer of someone with a disability. The survey focused on two areas of the terms of reference which have the greatest impact on people with disability that is the take-up of private healthcare and out of pocket expenses.

Senate inquiry into the value and affordability of private health insurance and out of pocket medical costs (Word)

WA NDIS Information, Linkages, Capacity Building Commissioning Framework – Joint submission with DDWA

People with Disabilities WA and Developmental Disability WA thank the WA Disability Services Commission for requesting feedback from peak advocacy groups representing those people directly affected by the services and supports likely to be offered under this part of the NDIS. Our organisations made written submissions to the ILC National Policy Framework and Commissioning Framework. The result of the National Policy and Commissioning Framework was very good from our perspective, and there is little we would consider needs changing from that work.  Our submission highlights changes we hope will be considered in the grants process to ensure that organisation run by and for people with disability, their families and carers are prioritised.

WA NDIS Information, Linkages, Capacity Building Commissioning Framework – Joint submission with DDWA (Word)

Senate Inquiry hearing  - Design, scope, cost-benefit analysis, contracts awarded and implementation associated with the Better Management of the Social Welfare System initiative

As an advocacy organisation, we have not had people with significant disability coming to us about automated debt recovery from Centrelink, nor have our advocacy partners. We are concerned many vulnerable people are not on the DSP and will be caught up in automated processes.

Senate Inquiry hearing  - Design, scope, cost-benefit analysis, contracts awarded and implementation associated with the Better Management of the Social Welfare System initiative (Word)

Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, Inquiry into Social Services Legislation Amendment (ending carbon tax compensation) Bill 2017

This Bill is being put in place to prevent new recipients of income support or concession cards from being paid the energy supplement. This includes people who will be on the Disability Support Pension or have a disability and are receiving a New Start or a health concession card due to low income.

Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, Inquiry into Social Services Legislation Amendment (ending carbon tax compensation) Bill 2017 (Word)

NDIS code of conduct submission

We welcome the introduction of the NDIS Code of Conduct. We are encouraged that many of the recommendations made in previous consultations concerning the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework are part of the Code of Conduct. People with disability must continue to be engaged at all levels of system development to make sure their rights are upheld following the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

You can read or download our submission in Word or PDF below:

Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Inquiry into accommodation for people with disabilities and the NDIS

Accommodation issues are an extremely important aspect of PWdWA’s advocacy work at both a systemic and individual level. As the peak consumer voice for people with disability in Western Australia (WA), our submission is compiled on the experiences of people with disability, their families and cares. We have provided case studies where appropriate to furnish our statement. Accommodation covers a whole plethora of issues which are by nature, complex. Having read the transcript, we have focused on four key issues. These are:

  • Segregation
  • Homelessness
  • Finance
  • Best practice

Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Inquiry into accommodation for people with disabilities and the NDIS (Word)

Inquiry into the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Transition Mobility Allowance to the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Bill 2016

Opportunity to provide feedback to the senate inquiry into the proposed changes to Mobility Allowance eligibility.  We have some concerns which we would like to raise due to potential inadequacy of transport costs being covered through the NDIS, and unintended consequences of what loss of the payment may mean too many people who rely on wheelchair accessible taxis.

New Disability Employment Services from 2018 – Discussion Paper

In 2015 PWdWA provided a submission on the National Disability Employment Framework- Issues Paper which was drawn on a representative sample of consumer advocacy cases expressing the types of issues and concerns that people with disability have around employment. As part of this submission we included a set of recommendations that people with disability consider necessary for Disability Employment Services to become more effective at delivering better outcomes for people. PWdWA encourages the Department of Social services to consider these recommendations in developing the new Disability Employment Services from 2018. These recommendations form an integral part of our feedback on the current discussion paper.

Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit’s Parliamentary Inquiry into qualifying for the Disability Support Pension (DCP)

People’s fair access to the Disability Support Pension is an extremely important aspect of PWdWA’s advocacy work at both a systemic and individual level. As the peak consumer voice for people with disability in Western Australia (WA), our submission is compiled on the experiences of people with disability, their families and carers. We have provided case studies where appropriate to furnish our statement.

Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit’s Parliamentary Inquiry into qualifying for the Disability Support Pension (DCP) (Word)

Experiences of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Report

A report detailing feedback from the survey and forum about peoples’ experiences of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Western Australia.

You can read or download the report in Word or PDF format below:

Inquiry into NDIS Savings bill

We were surprised, as were many other disability groups, to hear that legislation was being formed to set up the National Disability Insurance Scheme Savings Fund Special Account Bill. This raised a number of questions for us: Inquiry into NDIS Savings bill (Word) September 2016.

NDAP review submission

As part of the consultation for our submission on the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP), we circulated a short survey based on the questions posed in the discussion paper about advocacy services.

The survey was mostly completed by people who have used advocacy services. Most respondents cited individual advocacy as the main model they have used. There was also a recognition that there is a link between the different models of advocacy. “There is a need for all types of advocacy due to the diversity of individuals and families with disabilities as well as the reasons for needing advocacy”: NDAP review submission (Word) June 2016.

ILC commissioning framework joint submission PWDWA and DDWA

In the consultation draft of the Independent Living Centres (ILC) framework there is particular discussion on the need to be able to measure outcomes. In our view the outcomes that are outlined all sound like outcomes that might be good to have, but don’t sound specific and measurable enough: ILC commissioning framework Joint submission PWDWA DDWA (Word) April 2016.

NDIS savings bill hearing

A brief statement in support of our submission and our position that we don’t support this Bill: NDIS Savings Bill Hearing(Word) January 2016

On demand transport green paper

West Australians with a disability rely heavily on the on-demand transport system to access the community and go about their daily activities. So, it’s important that there is a system that responds and is flexible to what people with a disability need now and into the future: On Demand Transport Green Paper (Word)

NDIS experiences

A report detailing the survey and forum feedback about peoples’ experiences of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Western Australia, November 2015:

Review of the NDIS Act

Do the objects and principles of the National Disability Scheme (NDIS) Act provide a sufficient basis for giving effect to Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities? Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act (Word) October 2015.

Behind closed doors

Prevention of violence, abuse and neglect against Western Australians with disabilities, July 2015:

National Disability Employment Framework

This submission draws on a sample of consumer advocacy cases expressing the types of issues and concerns that people with disabilities have around employment. Cases included in this submission came from issues or concerns around employment, or returning to work, that people with disabilities experienced using a range of different employment services and supports in W.A between January 2013 and June 2015: National Disability Employment Framework (Word) July 2015.

Review of the Disability (Access to Premises – Building) Standards 2010

It’s encouraging that the review focused on providing people with disability with dignified, equitable, cost effective access to public buildings and facilities and services within buildings and identifies any necessary changes to the standards.
In providing this submission we consulted with members through a combination of social media, group discussions and direct feedback. This submission reflects the views of people with disabilities who are networked with us. It’s vital that any proposed revisions to the standards are co-designed with people with disabilities: Review of the Disability (Access to Premises – Building) Standards 2010 (Word) June 2015.

Review of the Disability Standards for Education

Our and Developmental Disability WA’s response to the review refers to the experience of education in Western Australia only. In responding to the review we addressed the terms of reference in the context of the experience of our members and others as communicated to us by them: Review of the Disability Standards for Education (Word) June 2015.

Proposal for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguarding framework

As part of this process, we worked with Developmental Disability WA, National Disability Service and the state Disability Services Commission on a consultation program to help people with disabilities to engage with, raise their concerns and recommend solutions and improvements about the framework. Individual advocates attended these sessions and the feedback is included in this submission: Proposal for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguarding framework (PDF)

Senate Inquiry into the Adequacy of Existing Residential Care Arrangements Available for Young People with Severe Physical, Mental or Intellectual Disability

On 3 December 2014, International Day of People with Disabilities, the Senate referred the above concer to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 June 2015. On 17 February 2015 we and DDWA gave evidence to a hearing on this matter in Perth. A number of people with disabilities also attended the hearing and shared their personal experiences of living in residential care facilities which didn’t give them the kind of choice and control they needed to live the kinds of lives that they wish to: Senate Inquiry into the Adequacy of Existing Residential Care Arrangements Available for Young People with Severe Physical, Mental or Intellectual Disability (PDF) March 2015.

Information, Linkages, and Capacity Building Submission NDIS

We and Developmental Disability WA welcomes the understanding that the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) framework is an important element of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) because it allows for the development, advocacy, engagement and active participation for all people with disability and not just people who are eligible for Individual Funded Packages (IFD).

The ILC framework will provide one of the mechanisms which the NDIS can use to influence and shape mainstream services at a systemic level; to provide better outcomes for people with disability, their families and carers. It’s important to develop a framework that is transferable and can work across states, the success of which is critical for the implementation of the framework.

We see a focus on increasing the independence and capacity of the person with disability as part of the necessary work to increase participation of people with disability in the community. There is also the added benefit that this can potentially alleviate the pressure on families, carers, and systems that are already over stretched and under resourced, March 2015:

Submission options to add no-fault catastrophic injury cover to Western Australia’s compulsory third party insurance scheme

This submission addresses the options in the green paper, the issue of exclusions and potential models of support. Currently Western Australia operates a common law ‘fault’ based Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, first introduced in 1943. For the injured third party it provides access to common law, that is, the injured person has a right to approach a law court to seek monetary compensation from the person ‘at fault’ for the personal injury and other related losses:

PWdWA Submission Options to add No-Fault Catastrophic Injury Cover to Western Australia’s Compulsory Third Party Insurance Scheme. (Word) December 2014.

Review of the Criminal Law Mentally Impaired Accused Act 1996

This submission provides feedback to the WA Department of the Attorney General for the review of the Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 1996 (WA) (the Act). The Act covers criminal proceedings for people charged with offences who are found by a court to be either mentally unfit to stand trial, or not guilty by reason of unsound mind. Recent media campaigns and targeted reviews have highlighted serious inequalities within the legislation and its procedures, where the fundamental human rights of people who have been found unfit to stand trial are not being met, December 2014:

This is a joint submission by disability and mental health stakeholders. You can find information about the signatories in Appendix 2.
The recommendations in this submission are divided into three main sections relating to overarching reforms to the Act, the processes that are prescribed by the Act, and the options available for treatment and support of individuals under the Act: Joint Criminal Law Mentally Impaired Accused Dec 2014 Submission Final. (PDF) December 2014

Justice Standing Committee

Submission to the WA Parliament Community Development and Justice Standing Committee’s Inquiry into Accommodation and Intensive Family Support Funding for People with Disabilities: WA Parliament Community Development and Justice Standing Committee’s Inquiry into Accommodation and Intensive Family Support (PDF) January 2014.

Review of transport standards

Submission for the 2012 Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport: Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2012 (PDF) May 2013.

Peel taxi and omnibus service

Submission for the Review of Peel’s taxi and omnibus services: Review of Peel’s Taxi and Omnibus Services (PDF) August 2013.

Rottnest Island Authority’s DAIP proposed publishing guidelines

Submission for the review of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (2007 – 2012): Review of the Rottnest Island Authority’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (PDF) January 2012.

Inclusive communication guidelines for emergency managers

Feedback provided on the Inclusive Communication Guidelines for Emergency Managers:

Draft Inclusive Communication Guidelines for Emergency Managers (PDF) January 2012.

NDS groundwork

Groundwork document on the National Disability Strategy 2010–2020: National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (PDF) January 2012.

National Disability Services groundwork

Feedback on the National Disability Services draft “Laying the Groundwork” (2011-2014): Laying the Groundwork 2011-2014 (PDF)

Human Rights Action Plan

Submission in Response to Australia’s Human Rights Action Plan, Exposure Draft. February 2012: Response to Australia’s Human Rights Action Plan (PDF)

Implementation of CRPD Article 9

Submission on the Implementation of Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Implementation of Article 9 of the UNCRPD (PDF) March 2012.

Review of the Fremantle Hospital Access and Inclusion Plan

Submission for the Review of the Fremantle Hospital and Health Services Disability Access and Inclusion Plan: Review of Fremantle Hospital Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (PDF) April 2012.

Review of Department of Commerce DAIP

Review of the Publishing Guidelines and Raising Public Awareness (2012-16) Disability Access and Inclusion Plan document: Department of Commerce DAIP 2012-16 (PDF) March 2012.

Base funding for higher education in Australia

Submission for the Review of Base Funding for Higher Education in Australia: Review of Base Funding for Higher Education in Australia (PDF) March 2011.

Review of education standards

Submission for the review of Disability Standards for Education: Review of Disability Standards for Education (PDF) April 2011.

Disability care and support

Submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Disability Care and Support (Post Draft Report): Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Disability Care and Support (PDF) May 2011.

Royal Australian College of GPs

Submission to the Royal Australian College of General Practices: RACGP Review of Standards for General Practices (PDF)

Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations

Submission on the Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations: Standing Committee on Estimates and Financial Operations (PDF) January 2009.

Access to premises

Submission on the Draft Disability Standards – Access to Premises: Disability Standards – Access to Premises (PDF) March 2009.

Australian disability parking scheme

Submission on the Harmonisation of Australian Disability Parking Schemes:

Australian Disability Parking Scheme (PDF) July 2009.

Pension review

Submission to the Australian Government Pension Review: Australian Government Pension Review (PDF) September 2008.

National Disability Strategy

Submission to the National Disability Strategy: Submission to the National Disability Strategy (PDF) December 2008.