ACT Disability Reference Group Communiques

17 June 2025

The final meeting of the ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG), chaired by Ms Renée Heaton, was held on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

The Chair invited guests, former and current members to share reflections on their time participating in the DRG, prior to highlighting the diverse and impactful work the DRG has led since 2017.

The group welcomed Suzanne Orr, Minister for Disability, who thanked the Chair and outgoing members for their advice, dedication and service on the DRG.  The Minister for Disability also expressed an eagerness to continue to work collaboratively with future Disability Advisory Council (DAC) members.

DRG members discussed what information should be provided to support the work of the future DAC and identified the most appropriate ways to collate and share this advice as part of a thorough hand-over.

Prior to closing the meeting, the Chair expressed gratitude to members for their commitment, engagement and expert contributions to the work of the DRG, which has informed quality and respected advice to the Minister and the government on a wide range of issues and topics.

The DRG has now concluded because the Disability Inclusion Act 2024 establishes a new Disability Advisory Council. The Council has the same role as the DRG along with some additional functions.

8 April 2025

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting, held on Tuesday 8 April 2025, was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members provided updates on the diverse work they were undertaking, including feedback on the new MyWay+ system, and reiterated a commitment to capturing and communicating the experiences and concerns from the ACT disability community.

Members also engaged in a discussion on the establishment and membership of the new Disability Advisory Council (DAC) and agreed to provide additional advice to ACT Government and the Minister for Disability. The Chair provided an update on DRG working group activities underway to support an accessible recruitment to the DAC, and members agreed to continue to engage with the DAC recruitment process in lead up to the conclusion of the DRG.

The next and final DRG meeting will be held on 17 June 2025.

11 February 2025

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting, held on Tuesday 11 February 2025, was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members provided updates on the work they were engaged with, including recent developments relevant to the Accessibility Reference Group and other key forums progressing disability reform. Members reaffirmed their commitment to capture and address the concerns and feedback from the broader community, particularly in relation to public transport and Wheelchair Accessible Taxi accessibility, and the wider built and urban environment.

Members engaged in an in-depth discussion on the establishment and membership of the new Disability Advisory Council (DAC) and agreed to provide out of session feedback and advice to the Minister for Disability. The Chair provided an update on the working group to support recruitment to the DAC, and members agreed to continue to support this work to ensure a diverse and robust appointment to the new Council.

The next meeting will be held on 8 April 2025.

10 December 2024

27 August 2024

21 June 2024

On Friday 21 June 2024, the ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) facilitated a discussion with key ACT disability community stakeholders and the ACT Government to inform the ACT Government’s approach to the creation of Foundational Supports in the ACT.

The meeting was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton, and attended by the Minister for Disability. Participants heard from the Community Services Directorate on the progress of the ACT Government’s response to the NDIS Review and Foundational Supports activities to date. The discussion focused on creating an ecosystem of support in the ACT.

Participants engaged in a discussion about key considerations to be incorporated into the ACT Government’s response, including the ways in which they may potentially impact people with disability, their families and carers. During the discussion, participants indicated a strong desire to be involved in both supporting the formation of the government response, and also the work that follows afterwards.

The key ACT disability community stakeholders present welcomed the ACT Government consulting with people with disability and their supports and are looking forward to establishing ongoing mechanisms for engagement while the ACT Government responds to these findings.

18 June 2024

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting, held on Tuesday 18 June 2024, was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

This meeting provided an opportunity for members to discuss and refine advice regarding the establishment of the proposed Disability Advisory Council (DAC), as outlined in the draft Disability Inclusion Bill 2024. The DRG agreed to continue to provide advice on this matter.

In the second half of the meeting, members discussed the ACT Disability Strategy (2024-2033) and First Action Plan (2024-2026), including priority areas for implementation. Members also shared their views to inform the approach to ACT Disability Strategy governance and evaluation.

The DRG farewelled an outgoing member, Mr Nic Stuart, who is leaving after a 2-year term to focus on other endeavours. Members commended his commitment and thanked him for his service and contributions.

The next meeting will be held on 27 August 2024.

9 April 2024

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting, held on Tuesday 9 April 2024, was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members discussed their views on the Disability Inclusion Bill 2024 (the Bill) and agreed to provide future advice to inform the Government’s approach to the creation of the proposed Disability Advisory Council as outlined in the Bill.

Members also discussed the final version of the ACT Disability Strategy (2024-2033) and First Action Plan (2024-2026) prior to its release, providing an opportunity for reflection and celebration.

In the second half of the meeting members engaged in a discussion with representatives from the ACT Health Directorate to inform a draft Position Statement on ‘Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes for People with Intellectual Disability’.

Members provided feedback in the meeting and were invited to provide additional feedback out of session. The next meeting will be held on 18 June 2024.

13 February 2024

The ACT Disability Reference Group meeting, held on Tuesday 13 February 2024, was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members engaged in a discussion with the Minister for Disability, Rachel Stephen-Smith, about potential actions to be included in the ACT Disability Strategy First Action Plan.

Members provided feedback in the meeting and were invited to provide additional feedback out of session.

Members also discussed the work underway to progress the ACT Government response to the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review findings, with the Minister for Disability and members agreeing on the importance of continuing to ensure people with disability were central to all disability reform related activities.

In the second half of the meeting members had a discussion with Mr Dougie Herd, NDIS Review Panel member, about the key findings and learnings of the NDIS Review.

Members explored the way in which Foundational Supports may reshape the disability support sector and potentially impact people with disability, their families and carers. The next meeting will be held on 9 April 2024.

5 December 2023

The ACT Disability Reference Group meeting, held on Tuesday 5 December 2023, was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members discussed the release of the ACT Disability Strategy, indicating they are keen to see the strategy developed and funded as soon as practically possible.

Members heard from the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD) on the opportunity for the DRG to support the ACT Government’s response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Members indicated a strong desire to be involved in both supporting the formation of the government response, and also the work that follows afterwards. Members reiterated the importance of involving the disability community in these activities. Members will continue to engage with CMTEDD regarding best ways to participate.

Members reflected on their achievements for 2023 and began planning for 2024.

The next meeting will be held on 13 February 2024

3 October 2023

The ACT Disability Reference Group meeting, held on Tuesday 3 October 2023, was chaired by Ms Renee Heaton.

Members endorsed a DRG Communique on the Voice to Parliament referendum, enabling it to be published to the CSD website.

Members engaged in a discussion with the Office of Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence on current work being progressed, and provided advice on how systems of support can be disability informed and responsive, culturally safe and welcoming.

Members agreed the next DRG meeting will have a focus on the response to the Disability Royal Commission.

The next meeting will be held on 5 December 2023.

22 August 2023

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held on 22 August 2023 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

The DRG Submission to the NDIS Review was endorsed by members and signed by the Chair at the meeting to enable lodgement. Members discussed potential concerns associated with changes to the ACT Government Community Assistance and Support Program and agreed to seek future information and advice from ACT Health.

A discussion was held with the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs about diverse issues including the upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament and progress towards Closing the Gap.Members agreed to develop a Communiqué regarding the referendum that encourages the community to seek reliable information on the Voice to Parliament to counter the increased risk of misinformation and discrimination.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 3 October 2023.

The Voice referendum

The Voice referendum will be held on 14 October 2023.

The Disability Reference Group (DRG) believe having clear and factual information about the referendum and the Voice to Parliament is important to help people understand the issues and make decisions on how to vote.

The DRG recognises the ongoing impact of colonisation on our First Nations people and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability experience the cumulative effects of racism and ableism. We urge the Canberra community to maintain a respectful dialogue to help prevent racism, ableism, and the spread of misinformation.

What is it?

The Voice to Parliament is proposed to give Indigenous communities a route to help inform government decisions that impact their lives.

Embedding a Voice in the Constitution would recognise the place of Indigenous people in Australia’s history.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice is proposed to be an independent advisory body made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, chosen by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

It will make representations to the Parliament and Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Accessible Resources about the referendum:

First People’s Disability Network have developed a Statement from the Heart Easy Read Guide.

The Australian Electoral Commission has developed Easy Read resources about how to enrol and how to vote.

The Council for Intellectual Disability has developed The Voice to Parliament Easy Read fact sheet.

The Commonwealth Government has released Auslan videos about the Voice to Parliament.

For more information about The Voice please visit: https://voice.gov.au/.

27 June 2023

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held 27 June 2023 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members welcomed new members Ms Maria French, Ms Patricia Songoro, Ms Jasie Amghar and Ms Tess Yvanovich. Members also farewelled outgoing members Ms Kerry Snell and Ms Katie Shoemark. Members recognised the unique perspectives and immense contribution of Ms Snell and Ms Shoemark.

Members were updated by the Office of LGBTIQ+ Affairs on the community survey report undertaken as the Capital of Equality Strategy is coming to the end of its Second Action Plan. The Office for LGBTIQ+ Affairs announced the upcoming LGBTIQ+ Leadership Grant which opens 3 July 2023 and the Connection Fund Grant which opens in August/September.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 22 August 2023.

2 May 2023

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held 2 May 2023 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

This meeting had been postponed from 4 April 2023 due to the funeral of Aunty Agnes. Aunty Agnes was a respected, well known and much-loved Elder and advocate for equality and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The DRG’s thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones.

Members received a presentation from Major Projects Canberra regarding how consumer feedback has been incorporated into the planning and design of the Critical Services Building at the Canberra Hospital, a project that is being considered a precedence project for future ACT Government Health Projects. Accessibility features are being incorporated into this project including a fully accredited changing place facility, repeatable rooms with accessibility features, auto doors in all public toilets, accessible service counters placed centrally and accessible wayfinding.

Members received an update on the ACT Disability Strategy and Disability Health Strategy. Members thanked both the Office for Disability and ACT Health for their work on the Strategies and Minister Davidson and Minister Stephen-Smith for their engagement on the work.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 27 June 2023.

7 February 2023

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held 7 February 2023 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members were updated by Canberra Health Services on accessibility of bus stops at the Canberra Hospital and the status of the Disability Access Audit. Members recognised the progress made to improve public transport accessibility of the Canberra Hospital and emphasised the importance of lighting, tactile signage and accessible doors operating hours matching that of the hospital.

Members updated the group on the extensive work they are undertaking outside the DRG. This work includes Yarning Circles and DRG recruitment. Members also discussed how best to prioritise and respond to the important work ahead in 2023.

Members held an Out of Session meeting to provide advice to the Justice and Community Safety Directorate on the approach to public consultation about voluntary assisted dying. Members highlighted the need for appropriate mental health support throughout consultation. As members have varied opinions on the topic of Voluntary Assisted Dying, members will engage in consultation on an individual basis. The DRG encourages community members to engage in consultation and urges the ACT Government to consider risks, issues and safeguards identified by the disability community including by peak bodies. If you would like to participate in consultation you can find more information on the YourSay Conversations website.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 4 April 2023

13 December 2022

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held 13 December 2022 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members heard from Ms Emma Davidson MLA, Minister for Disability about discussions within the Disability Reform Minister’s Meeting. Minister Davidson expressed gratitude to the Disability Reference Group for raising key issues and highlighting the impact on people with disability.

A discussion was had around shaping the ACT Disability Strategy and what members would like to see actioned through the Strategy. These included bringing about quality Disability Access and Inclusion Plans, improvements to the taxi subsidy scheme, improved built environment and enhanced awareness activities.

ACT Canberra Health Services also provided members with an update on potential changes to the management of COVID-19 during the holiday period. Members expressed concern regarding the potential removal of mask mandates in high-risk settings over the Christmas break.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 7 February 2023

25 October 2022

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held 25 October 2022 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members heard from ACT Health Directorate (ACT HD) regarding current actions it is taking to support people with disability to stay safe as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease. Members thanked ACT HD for their comprehensive and fact-based update, highlighted the need for scenario planning and raised the need for clarity and consistency of information, including for antivirals eligibility; booster dose eligibility; testing site availability and options; and access issues for people not arriving by car, for temporary residents, and people who are blind or vision impaired.

Members were updated on the development of the ACT Disability Strategy and discussed next steps including the development of the Listening Report. Members recognised the value of the Have we heard you? consultation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and families. The consultation validated the cross-sectional themes which arose in previous consultations and added information not heard before. Members highlighted the importance of strengths-based language when discussing experiences of intersectionality.

Members held a robust discussion regarding the role and positioning of awards ceremonies and grant rounds that focus on people with disability and the celebration of International Day of People with Disability (I-Day).   Members highlighted the importance of community control in the shaping and implementation of I-Day events with a focus on disability pride and empowerment.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 13 December 2022.

16 August 2022

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held 16 August 2022 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton. Members welcomed Jo Huxley as the new ACT Manager for National Disability Services.

Members were updated on the development of the ACT Disability Strategy and discussed next steps after the closing of the consultation, including development and testing of ideas though targeted deep dive conversations with key government stakeholders. Members highlighted the need to preserve and share the key features of the consultation process that ensured the voice of people with disability were central to the consultation.

Members discussed the impact of the current COVID-19 situation on people with disability in the ACT, including how the disability community is managing, sought to identify gaps arising and consider the effectiveness of current strategies. The conversation centred around people with disability feeling unheard during the current covid surge and felt a strong sense of being left behind with the broader community behaving as though the pandemic were over. Members recognised the long-term nature of the pandemic and called for an honest conversation about how to find the balance between returning to business as usual and protecting vulnerable people, suggesting more proactive approaches such as greater work flexibility, including for carers, and treating Covid-19 like measles, where outbreaks are managed, affected people are isolated.

Members heard from Canberra Health Services regarding the schedule of works to address the bus stop accessibility issues around the Canberra Hospital. Members expressed disappointment in the delay in works since the need was first brought to the attention of CHS, however welcomed CHS learnings and commitment to improve accessibility at the Canberra Hospital. Members look forward to updated wayfinding information on the CHS website in the coming months.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 25 October 2022.

21 June 2022

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting was held 21 June 2022 and was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton. Members welcomed new member Ms Alarna Moscaritolo, and farewelled outgoing member Ms Deborah Eades. Members recognised Ms Eades’ strong contribution to the DRG, especially to the establishment of the first Disability Yarning Circle.

Members received a presentation from Canberra Health Services regarding bus stop accessibility issues at the Canberra Hospital and potential actions to progress greater accessibility to the hospital. Members look forward to receiving a written update regarding commitments to actions.

Members received an update on the development of the Canberra Health Services (CHS) Disability Action and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). Members commended CHS on their photo shoot of people with diverse experiences of disability to include in the final plan, and the development of an Easy English version. Members recognised the synergies between the CHS DAIP and the ACT Disability Health Strategy which is in development. Members look forward to the final plan being published in the near future.

Members discussed the progress of the public consultation for the ACT Disability Strategy, including learnings and next steps. Members were pleased with the progress including 5 open public forums and 10 focused conversations held to date, with a further 15 events scheduled. Members noted 196 people had participated in consultation events, with a further 318 completing the survey, and more than 2,500 visits to the website. Members highlighted the opening of the Student Voice competition as an exciting way to involve children and young people in the consultation. Consultation information is available on the YourSay website.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 16 August 2022.

5 April 2022

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) meeting on 5 April 2022 was chaired by Ms Amanda Charles, acting Executive Branch Manager, Office for Disability.

Members discussed bus stop accessibility issues at the Canberra Hospital and potential actions to progress greater accessibility to the hospital.

Members discussed options for ensuring a broad representation of voices of people with disability on the DRG, including ways a broader cohort of organisations and agencies might participate in discussions when appropriate.

Members welcomed the opening of the public consultation to inform the development of a 10-year disability strategy for the ACT, which was launched by the Minister for Disability on 31 March 2022. Members were pleased their recommendation for a co-design approach with all consultations to be led by people with disability was supported by the ACT Government.

Members discussed the consultation plan and their involvement, including proposing ways to support participants and facilitators, and emphasising the need to ensure conversations are productive and respectful, with opportunities for stories to be shared in safe and appropriate ways.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 21 June 2022.

22 February 2022

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 22 February 2022 online via WebEx. The meeting was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members were joined by Damian Griffis, CEO, First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) who provided information on the history and work of the FPDN, in particular regarding some of the work happening nationally in Closing the Gap, and how it may feed down to local initiatives. The conversation centred around:

• disability as a new focus area in Closing the Gap;
• the importance of giving voice to First Nations people with disability;
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations need to be key partners; and
• the need to establish a First Nations workforce in the disability sector, and culturally appropriate disability services.

Members were briefed on the second draft of the Canberra Health Services (CHS) Disability Action and Inclusion Plan. Members commended CHS on their hard work and commitment to increasing support and access for people with disability. Members provided further feedback and welcomed the opportunity to review the final draft before providing endorsement.

Members were updated on the progress of the consultation planning which will inform the development of a 10-year disability strategy for the ACT. The conversation highlighted external factors which may impact consultation and delivery timeframes, such as the ever-changing COVID situation, which is likely to escalate during winter, plus the upcoming Federal Government election.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 5 April 2022.

14 December 2021

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 14 December 2021 online via WebEx. The meeting was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members welcomed Ms Catherine Rule, the new Director-General of the Community Services Directorate to the DRG as an ex-officio member. Ms Rule shared her interest in engaging with the work of the DRG, and members highlighted issues they wish to address in upcoming discussions such as infrastructure and planning, thin markets and the implementation of policy. Members emphasised the importance of “Nothing about us, without us” to people with disability.

Members were briefed on the proposed reforms to the ACT Discrimination Act and provided feedback on increasing the accessibility of the current consultation, as well as possible impacts to consider. The current consultation can be accessed on the YourSay website.

Members were briefed on the draft Disability Action and Inclusion Plan developed by Canberra Health Services (CHS), also available on the YourSay website. Members commended CHS on their hard work and commitment to increasing support and access for people with disability. Members provided feedback on making accountability for the DAIP more transparent.

Members discussed the draft consultation plan for the development of an ACT Disability Strategy. Members recognised the importance of the voices of people with disability being central to the consultation and the strategy and indicated their enthusiasm for being integrally involved in the consultation conversations. Members agreed to attend a workshop in January/February 2022 to prepare for their role in the consultations.

The next meeting is planned for 22 February 2022.

19 October 2021

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 19 October 2021 online via WebEx. The meeting was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members were updated on the upcoming Public Health Direction for disability support workers and in-home and community aged care workers in the ACT to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Members expressed their support and appreciation of the new health direction and recognised the hard work and consultation undertaken by ACT Government to implement the new requirements, as the vaccination of disability support workers had been an issue of concern for many people in the ACT disability community.

Members provided feedback, including:

• addressing the misinformation that is shared on social media
• the need for the vaccination requirements to be broader than support workers
• the need for a consistent approach with NSW
• the need for continuing and evolving COVID-safe practices.

Members were also updated on the way the various national and local, disability and health strategies interact and complement one another. Members will support the development of these strategies and plans. The Office for Disability will develop a draft health and disability strategies map to ensure community clarity around how the pieces of work interact.

Members reviewed the DRG workplan and working groups, agreeing to update both to be in line with current priorities.

Members were updated on, and offered their support for, the proposed plans for the 2021 Chief Minster’s Inclusion Awards and I-Day Grants and the way they have both been reshaped due to the impact of the ACT COVID-19 lockdown.

The next meeting is planned for 14 December 2021.

24 August 2021

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 24 August 2021 online via WebEx. The meeting was chaired by Ms Renée Heaton.

Members discussed the current COVID-19 outbreak in the ACT, particularly the impacts for people with disability and the sector, including supports and services available. Members agreed that the ACT Health Directorate, Canberra Health Services and the Community Services Directorate were providing a high level of support to people with disability and services impacted by the ACT COVID-19 disability cluster. Members advised that support could be provided to the wider disability community in the form of reassuring media messaging.

Members also discussed the consultation process for the development of an ACT response to the new Australia’s Disability Strategy, expected to be launched later this year. Members advised the importance of co-design and the voices of people with disability being central the development and implementation of an ACT Disability Strategy. Members agreed to lead conversations on key outcome areas during the consultation period.

The next meeting is planned for 19 October 2021.

13 July 2021

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 13 July 2021 online via WebEx.

The meeting was initially chaired by outgoing Chair Mr Dougie Herd and then the incoming Chair Ms Renée Heaton.

New DRG members Mr Craig Wallace, Ms Ajar Sana, Mr Graham Downie, Mr Nic Stuart and Ms Katie Shoemark were welcomed to the meeting. The role of Chair was formally passed from Mr Herd to Ms Heaton, and Ms Emma Davidson MLA, Minister for Disability, Ms Ellen Dunne PSM on behalf of the Community Services Directorate, and all members offered their heartfelt thanks to Mr Herd recognising his exceptional advocacy and leadership to the ACT Government and the DRG during his time as Chair.

Members received a presentation on the development of the ACT Disability Health Strategy (the Strategy) and provided direct feedback, including on the need for:

• consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community;
• clear, explicit references to and incorporation of elements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
• the use of a social model of disability in the Strategy rather than a medical model; and
• the Strategy to lead to genuine, meaningful change over the long-term.

Members agreed to support the initial development and scoping of the Strategy until such time as the ACT Health Directorate are able to establish their own disability consultation group.

Members were also updated on the actions of various DRG working groups with a view to progressing work under each priority area. New members will nominate themselves to join and support specific working groups consistent with their key areas of interest.

21 June 2021 - IAC Consultation

Members of the Disability Refence Group met with members of the Independent Advisory Council (IAC) to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and representatives of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on 28 June 2021 to discuss the proposed reforms to the NDIS including Independent Assessments (IA). The meeting was chaired by consultants from ThinkPlace.

Members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to provide feedback on those aspects of the reforms that have been made publicly available.

The ACT called for the immediate release of information by the Commonwealth Government and the NDIA of the fullest information possible about the totality of proposed reforms. Commenting on changes that have not been released is almost impossible.

Notwithstanding the DRG call for full disclosure of the Government’s intentions, however, DRG members stated their strong opposition to proposed reforms with particular reference to Independent Assessments (IA). Members requested that the ACT disability community’s opposition be reflected in public documents. Members asked that the NDIA and Commonwealth Government give greater weight to the more than 300 submissions already made public by the Joint Standing Committee Inquiry into Independent Assessments, the vast majority of which oppose the form (including universal opposition by ACT people and organisations giving oral evidence to the JSC public hearing in Canberra).

Members were confident that issues of NDIS sustainability could be resolved in other ways, however emphasised that resolution would require a genuine co-design process. Members noted the NDIA’s own data which shows over half of all jurisdictions overseas with comparable disability support systems DO NOT use independent assessments and that NOT ONE of the 24 overseas jurisdictions cited by the NDIA uses IA as proposed by the NDIA.

Members raised concerns regarding both the current process of consultation around the reforms, and the reforms themselves, including:

Time

Members highlighted that in the midst of a global pandemic is not the time to be introducing reforms described the Commonwealth Minister as the most significant since the NDIS was established. This is a time to be seeking participant advice on the supports they required to manage through a pandemic. Members further stressed that the significance of the proposed reforms required a bigger process that allowed more time for detailed responses and submissions. Members proposed following Every Australian Counts model of engagement https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/ndis-engagement/ as one more appropriate.

Personal Experience

Members emphasised the uniqueness of every person’s experience of disability and societal barriers that still inhibit full participation and inclusion. DRG members raised concerns that independent assessors would be operating from a limited and inadequate personal and professional understanding that would miss important aspects of a person’s experience, culture, gender and migration status. Members highlighted that the IA model was particularly problematic for people with autism and episodic disability and raised concerns over the appropriateness of the selected tools for IA and the unproven and untested ways in which the NDIA intends to combine and / or use the tools. Members stressed the need for person-centred approaches that recognises the nuances and complexities of each person’s life and circumstances, not just their functionally disabling conditions.

Members shared personal experiences of engaging with assessments and finding the process inefficient and ineffective.

Expense

Members were advised that the logic behind the proposed reforms was sustainability of the NDIS. The DRG rejected this false logic. Members questioned whether governments were committed to funding the NDIS as it needed to be, and proposed changes to current bi-lateral agreements, consideration of operational spending, stating that any increase in participants and supports was likely reflective of real need. Members were concerned that reducing funds to participants would condemn some people to go without the supports they need. Members emphasised that every funded dollar goes straight back into the economy.

Lack of trust

The group discussed the lack of trust that had built up amongst NDIS participants towards the NDIA. DRG members reported that trust was unlikely to be rebuilt until people with disability felt that they were seen by the NDIA as trusted experts of their own lives, having their voices heard and seeing their feedback being sought and applied in reforms.

Members emphasised the importance of the full release of the actuarial data and the environmental assumptions for modelling so that independent analysis can take place. Members also raised concerns over not having seen draft legislation. DRG members believe it is impossible to respond through consultation about details that have not been made public.

Future steps

Mr James Manders, Canberran and member of the Independent Advisory Council, in summing up recognised members call for a true co-design process, quoting, “Nothing about us, without us”. Members were assured that their feedback from the consultation would be included in the published advice that would be sent the Board of the NDIA, and then onto Disability Ministers in July.

20 April 2021

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 20 April 2021. The meeting was chaired by Mr Dougie Herd.

Members discussed their concerns regarding the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination program, including the lack of clear messaging from the Commonwealth Government and resulting confusion for people with disability and their supporters. It was highlighted that only a small portion of eligible people with disability in Phase 1a had been vaccinated compared to those in aged care residences who are also part of the Phase 1a roll out. Members reiterated the need for clear, factual, to the point and reliable information from all governments about the vaccination roll out.

Members received an update on the progress of the new National Disability Strategy (NDS) and discussed ways of managing the codesign, collaboration and consultation needed for the development of an ACT Strategy. It was highlighted that the important work would be the conversations between the ACT Government and the disability community, and that people with disability needed to be placed at the centre of any new disability commitment, strategy or framework. Members recognised that the NDS is Australia’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and their expectation that the ACT aim high in its response to the new NDS.

Members were updated about the proposed NDIS Reforms discussed at the Disability Reform Minister’s Meeting of 15 April 2021, including Independent Assessments (IA). Members were informed that the ACT Government view was in line with those expressed by the ACT disability sector and that it was not supportive of IA.

Ms Marcia Williams, CEO of Women’s Health Matters (WHM), presented on the preliminary findings of their survey on the health and wellbeing of women with disability in the ACT. WHM is working closely with community organisations and ACT Government agencies to disseminate the data from the survey, including presenting to Ministers. Ms Williams encouraged members to consider how the data might inform the work of the DRG going forward, including adding a gendered lens to actions.

Members were updated on the various working groups of the DRG with a view to progressing work under each priority area.

16 February 2021

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 16 February 2021. The meeting was chaired by Mr Dougie Herd.

Members were updated by representatives from Canberra Health Services (CHS) about the progress made on the CHS Disability Needs Assessment. Members will provide feedback on the draft document which will then inform the CHS Disability Action and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). Members agreed to ongoing engagement with CHS to support them as they develop their DAIP.

Members discussed the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan for people with disability. Members stressed the importance of clear, straightforward, and easy to access information about the vaccinations from an authoritative source as this will ensure that people are able to make informed decisions. Members also raised concerns that non-residential group settings may not have been considered for the delivery of vaccines to people with disability and disability sector workers, such as employment, day programs, and respite settings.

Members discussed the ACT response to the new National Disability Strategy (NDS), agreeing on a proposed ACT structure and consultation plan and noting that the ACT strategy needed to be a commitment to action. Members also emphasised the importance of including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the centre of the NDS.

10 December 2020

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 10 December 2020. The meeting was chaired by Mr Dougie Herd.

Minister for Disability, Ms Emma Davidson MLA, attended the meeting to share her priorities for the Disability portfolio with members, including the importance of policy being informed by lived experience. Minister Davidson recognised the value of the DRG in providing advice on how the ACT could build back better through the COVID-19 health emergency. Members shared their key priorities with Minister Davidson, including but not limited to the need for:

• universally and co-designed accessible and sustainable housing, venues and services;
• disaggregated data regarding people with disability and their families; and
• education and assistance for people with disability and their supporters who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, domestic and family violence.

Members had a conversation with key stakeholders from the Canberra Hospital Expansion Project, including Minister for Health Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, regarding the inclusion, accessibility, and consultation of the project to date and into the future. Members expressed their keen interest in being involved in all future consultations, as well as receiving regular project updates. Major Projects Canberra committed to responding to members’ questions as the project went forward.

Members agreed to meet out of session to begin discussions on the ACT enactment of the new National Disability Strategy to be launched in September 2021.

13 October 2020

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 13 October 2020. The meeting was chaired by Mr Dougie Herd.

Outgoing members who have served their terms Ms Louise Bannister, Mr Justin Le Couteur, Ms Sharon Ding, Ms Alicia Flack-Kone and Mr Rey Reodica were farewelled from the DRG, and member Mr Michael Bleasdale will finish his participation in November 2020. The DRG thanks all outgoing members for their time and contributions.

Members heard from guest speakers Ms Josephine Smith and Ms Liz Pratten about the needs analysis progressing to support the development of the Canberra Health Services (CHS) Disability Action and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). DRG members agreed to advise CHS on stakeholders and research reports that CHS can engage with for the needs assessment project informing their DAIP.

Members had a conversation with Mr James Manders from the Independent Advisory Council to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Members provided advice to Mr Manders regarding current issues and concerns being experienced by people with disability in the ACT in their engagement with the NDIS along with concerns around the impending introduction of an independent assessment process.

Members discussed the Phase 2 Consultation for a new National Disability Strategy and agreed to support a series of conversations with groups of Canberrans with disability. This will help community engagement with the consultations and provide in-depth feedback to the Commonwealth Government about the experiences of people with disability in the ACT.

18 August 2020

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 18 August 2020. The meeting was chaired by Dougie Herd. Incoming members to the DRG were welcomed to the meeting.

Incoming members are C Moore, Ben Zarew, Renee Heaton, Patrice Soward and Erika Lyons. They are joining Dougie Herd (Chair), Kerry Snell, Jackson Sievers, Deborah Eades and Michael Bleasdale. Members Louise Bannister, Justin Le Couteur, Sharon Ding and Alicia Flack-Kone will complete their terms at the next meeting in October 2020. Rey Reodica, ex-officio member from National Disability Services (NDS), has now left his position and his position on the DRG will be filled temporarily by another NDS representative.  The DRG thank all outgoing members for their time and contributions.

Members discussed their workplan, noting the addition of a COVID-19 section to address the current health emergency and the ensuing recovery journey.

Members were updated on progress made by the DRG Disability Royal Commission working group. The working group is collaborating with community organisations to organise events that support the community’s engagement with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. More information about the Royal Commission can be found at https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au.

Members received advice on the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). Concerns were raised that the cost-benefit nature of the RIS has not considered the available qualitative evidence of the experiences of people with disability with in/accessible housing.

Members received an update about the development of Disability Action and Inclusion Plans (DAIPs) in ACT Government directorates and agencies, and commended ACT Corrective Services and Canberra Health Services for their commitment to developing DAIPs within the next 12 months.

Members were informed of the progress of the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy. Members welcomed the proposed items for Phase 2 of the action plan, including work to reduce the pressure on home environments for people with disability and carers, and actions to improve family safety.

Members agreed in-principle to support raising the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT.

9 June 2020

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 9 June 2020, by video conference. The meeting was chaired by Dougie Herd.

Members were updated on the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy [PDF 236KB] that was released on 18 May 2020. Members welcomed the proposed items listed in the action plan to date. Members were consulted on the next phase of the Strategy, regarding the needs of people with disability, as the ACT moves into a recovery phase of the COVID-19 health emergency. Members raised a range of concerns including:

• the need for greater respite support;
• ensuring that people with disability have the technology required to access services and social connections online, and support for the use of technology for both social connection and connection to services; and
• ensuring that people are safe in their own homes.

Members were also updated on the progress of the ACT implementation of the National Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability (the Plan) and offered suggestions of further organisations to be included in the consultation process for the development of the ACT’s response to the Plan. Members will be provided with the draft plan for comment in the coming days.

Members discussed the proposed Crimes (Offences Against Vulnerable People) Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 and its expansion to include people with disability. Discussion was detailed and additional follow-up information will be sought to provide further information.

Members were updated on the progress of the DRG’s Disability Royal Commission working group, and the work of the Office for Disability including being informed that the Chief Ministers Inclusion Awards have been cancelled for 2020 due to the impacts of COVID 19.

Incoming new members to the DRG are due to commence for the August meeting.

7 April 2020

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 7 April 2020 by video conference. Meeting was chaired by Dougie Herd. Minister for Disability, Minister Suzanne Orr attended for part of the meeting.

Members met to discuss the current Covid-19 health emergency, to identify the most pressing issues for people with disability, and to identify practical and creative solutions to the highlighted issues. Members raised a range of concerns including but not limited to:

• ensuring good mental health of people with disability and their carers during the crisis;
• access to health care and the fear that people with disability would be shut out of accessing health services;
• the need for consolidated messaging and targeted communication to assist people to know what they should be doing to stay safe and be supported;
• availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) to people with disability and the disability sector;
• equitable education for children with disability;
• access to assistive technologies when working from home; and
• the need for clear and accessible communication of information form trustworthy sources.

Minister Orr recognised the importance of current and ongoing consultation with the disability community in the ACT, including the ACT Disability Reference Group, indicated her willingness to respond to the identified issues, and discussed the development and resourcing of an ACT Covid-19 Disability Strategy.

Members were also updated on the progress of the SPIRE Project regarding the ways accessibility and inclusion are being addressed in the Project. ACT Health and Major Projects indicated that they are committed to better outcomes for people with disability and are keen to continue discussions and consultation with the ACT Disability Reference Group. Members highlighted the imperative that people with disability be included in the deliberative process that develops the design briefs of the SPIRE Project; and are requesting that the ACT Disability Reference Group be provided with regular updates from SPIRE specifically addressing disability related planning and design issues.

11 February 2020

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 11 February 2020. Chair Dougie Herd chaired the meeting.

Members were provided with information regarding the ACT Government plan to phase out single use plastics in the ACT. It was observed that plastic straws are likely to be of most concern to people with disability. It was noted that the ACT Government has indicated that a plastic straw ban will not apply to those who need to use plastic straws and that further consultation will occur before the ban takes place.

Members were given an overview of the ACT Carers Strategy 2018-2028, with a focus on what it has to offer people with disability and their carers (see Actions 5 and 15). Members recognised the synergy between the work of the DRG and the ACT Carers Strategy.

Finally, members were updated on the outcomes of the 2019 review of the NDIS Act and the new NDIS Participant Service Guarantee.

3 December 2019

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met 3 December 2019. Chair Dougie Herd chaired the meeting.

The DRG was updated on the INVOLVED website which is the ACT Government’s Commitment to the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020. The INVOLVED website is now live and can be found at: https://www.involvedcbr.com.au/.

The DRG was consulted on the formation of a transport reference group to advise Transport Canberra in the accessibility of their services. A working group was established to advise Transport Canberra further in the formation of their transport reference group.

The DRG is updating their workplan for 2019-2021 to reflect their key priorities for the next two years, including developing sub-working groups for specific items.

15 October 2019

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met 15 October 2019. Community Co-Chair Dougie Herd chaired the meeting.

Minister Suzanne Orr attended the meeting. Minister Orr introduced herself to members and invited members to ask questions, make comments or highlight priorities. Topics discussed included: the Minister’s interest areas within the disability portfolio; the need for greater physical accessibility and inclusion in the built environment; and issues and additional complexities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

Guest speakers Tamsyn Harvey and Samantha Byng from the Attorney General’s Department, and Cain Beckett from the Disability Royal Commission were invited to speak about the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission). They provided information on the accessibility strategies and resourcing of the Disability Royal Commission, as well as the supports that were available to people with disability who engaged with the Royal Commission.

The DRG are aligning their Terms of Reference with those of other ACT Government advisory councils and will be seeking a new Deputy Chair from within existing DRG membership.

6 August 2019

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met 6 August 2019. Community Co-Chair Dougie Herd and Government Co‑Chair Ms Rebecca Cross chaired the meeting.

Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith attended the meeting. Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith thanked DRG members for contributing their expertise and acknowledged the work the DRG has completed to date.

Minister Stephen-Smith invited the DRG to ask questions, make comments or highlight priorities. Topics discussed included; employment and workforce issues that impact people with disability; issues and additional complexities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability; and the disability and health interface.

Guest speakers Dwayne Cranfield (National Ethnic Disability Alliance) and Mary Mallett (Disability Advocacy Network Australia) were invited to speak about the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission). They provided an overview of the Disability Royal Commission budget and the anticipated role disability advocacy organisations will have in promoting and supporting people with disability to participate in the Disability Royal Commission process, including supporting public submissions and the compilation of case-studies. It was noted that public submissions are now open.

The DRG discussed the Civil Society Shadow report 'Disability Rights Now 2019: Australian Civil Society Shadow Report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: UNCRPD Review 2019' and information was shared about the Regulatory Impact Statement for a minimum access standard in housing background consultation.

4 June 2019

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 4 June 2019. Government Co‑Chair Ms Rebecca Cross chaired the meeting.

New members Mr Michael Bleasdale and Jackson Sievers were welcomed to the DRG and new members Alarna Barratt and Kerry Snell sent their apologies for this meeting.

Outgoing member Ms Mignonne Cullen was thanked for her dedication and contributions over the past two years.

The theme of the meeting was employment with two presentations from guest speakers and a discussion on how the DRG might support the increase in rates of employment of people with disability across the Canberra community.

Guest speaker, Ms Kerrie Langford from National Disability Services gave an insightful overview of disability employment programs and services available nationally, highlighting policy challenges and effective approaches.

Mr Cam Sullings, manages the Inclusion in Employment Project - a collaboration of the Canberra Business Chamber, the ACT Inclusion Council and ACT Government. Mr Sullings spoke about the peer to peer information sessions that have been held which bring together business leaders with experience in employing people with disability and businesses seeking new employees who may not have considered people with disability. Mr Sullings shared examples of the successful employment outcomes achieved for people with disability through the project to date.

The DRG also evaluated the process and guidelines of the I-Day Grants program and suggested additional ways to promote these grants to relevant community organisations and raise the profile of International Day of People With Disability

The DRG received updates on the work of the Office for Disability and some of the funding announcements in the ACT Budget 2019-20 to continue services complementing the NDIS, including the Integrated Service Response Program and the ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme.

2 April 2019

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 2 April 2019. Community Co‑Chair of the DRG, Mr Dougie Herd, chaired the meeting.

Members approved additions to the Terms of Reference (TORs) to allow for staggered membership terms to support retention of knowledge and consistent advice provided to government. Amendments were also made to encourage mentoring opportunities for emerging leaders and young people with disability.

The group reviewed the Government Response to the ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiry into the implementation, performance and governance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in the ACT. The group also discussed progressing better engagement with people with disability who are from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The group discussed the current National consultation Shaping the future of disability policy for 2020 and beyond, being led by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS). It was noted that a public consultation workshop will be held on 10 May 2019 (at the Hellenic Club, Phillip) and online forums will be held 17-21 June.

The group was provided an update on the upcoming Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, and on the ACT Government’s ongoing development of the Disability Justice Strategy and the recent publication of Towards Disability Justice for the ACT – Summary of Research and Consultations 2019.

The June meeting will see the introduction of new members to the DRG.

5 February 2019

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 5 February 2019. Ms Rebecca Cross, the new Director-General of Community Services Directorate and the Government Co Chair of the DRG, chaired the meeting.

Mr Herd, Community Co-Chair, updated the group on an out-of-session workplan meeting attended by several DRG members in January 2019. Better access by people with disability to better health, justice and employment outcomes remain priorities for the DRG, as well as education and transport. Members have also agreed to progress a piece of work on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-specific disability issues.

Members discussed a refresh of the Terms of Reference (TORs) to allow for a phased membership terms to support retention of intellectual capital and consistent advice.

The group was provided an update on the development of the Disability Justice Strategy, which is nearing launch in middle of the year. There are also currently a range of justice-based training tools being piloted with ACT government agencies with local advocacy and disability organisations involved in the reshaping. Initial feedback from participants in the training has been positive.

4 December 2018

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 4 December 2018. Mr Dougie Herd, Community Co-Chair, chaired the meeting.

The group was updated on the Disability Justice Strategy. Consultations for the Strategy have now finished and a Listening Report has been published on the Your Say website The team are now synthesizing all the information into a final report which will include a plain language version of the executive summary and a recording of someone talking about the report, so that it is fully accessible.

The group was also updated about a forum run by the Office for Disability on 16 November. The forum was based around information on housing options for people with disability, bringing together guest speakers from ACT Government, Specialist Disability Accommodation providers, private building companies, community organisations and people with disability and their families and friends.

Sessions included information about Specialist Disability Accommodation funding, government policy levers and the role of developers, investors, financiers and lawyers; the wide range of models, services and approaches, both local and interstate, that are working well; and a world café style discussion, with participants stepping themselves through the “housing pathways” that were relevant for them.

The forum was well received by all who participated and families have already asked for another one in six months’ time. Information presented at the forum and each of the sessions which were filmed will soon be available on the ACT Office for Disability website.

Following on from this, the National Disability Services is hosting a conversation with various accommodation providers on Wed 5 December.

2 October 2018

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 2 October 2018.

Mr Dougie Herd chaired the meeting. Ms Bernadette Mitcherson, Director-General of the Community Services Directorate, attended as Co-Chair.

The group was updated on the ongoing development of an ACT Disability Justice Strategy and the recent public consultation.

Ms Louise-Cooper Finch/ The ACT Service Delivery Manager from the NDIA joined the group to provide updates on issues that had been discussed at the DRG Meeting in June.
Discussions covered the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and some changes that have been implemented to improve participant experiences and outcomes. Members shared some of their concerns and issues.

The group also welcomed guest speaker Ms Mandy Donley, ACT Senior Practitioner to give a presentation on the new Senior Practitioner legislation and the framework it establishes for reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices, which will bring greater consistency of practice to how the use of restrictive practices is regulated, documented and minimised in the ACT.

For more information visit the Office of the Senior Practitioner page.

7 August 2018

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 7 August 2018.

Dr Mark Collis, Deputy Director-General chaired the meeting. It was noted as being the first meeting for Mr Rey Reodica (replacing Mr Steve Fox), representing National Disability Services ACT.

The meeting had a health theme with presentations on two disability and health projects, which have been funded by the Office for Disability. The first guest speaker for the meeting was Mr Craig Wallace (ACT Council of Social Service) who presented on the preliminary findings of the 'Imagining Better for Disability and Health' project commenced last year. The group spoke about the barriers identified through the project and the importance of better outcomes for people with disability

Ms Debbie Stanford (Human Capital Alliance) discussed an outline of the project they are undertaking to produce a resource package that is intended to support the health literacy and decision-making of people with disabilities in the ACT who need to access health services. The group discussed both the importance of better supports for the consumer to understand and navigate the system, and the corresponding responsibility for health services to effectively share and communicate information.

Representatives from Canberra Metro delivered a PowerPoint presentation about the Light Rail and encouraged input from DRG members regarding access issues. All agreed that it is valuable to have ongoing conversations about operations and infrastructure of Light Rail and that the DRG can articulate some of the community concerns. Canberra Metro is currently planning a “Confidence Day” at which the public will be able to check out the Light Rail vehicles and gain confidence and familiarity with the new form of transport. It is likely to be scheduled in October or November 2018. See the Canberra Metro website for updates https://cmet.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18632_CMET_Accessibility_DL_Brochure_Disability_RED_V54-1.pdf

The group received an update on the Disability Justice Strategy and the current public consultation. See the YourSay website for more information www.yoursay.act.gov.au/disability-justice-strategy.

There was also some discussion of the Peer-to-Peer Inclusion in Employment project being run by the Canberra Business chamber
www.canberrabusiness.com.

12 June 2018

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 12 June 2018. Mr Dougie Herd, Community Co-Chair, chaired the meeting. It was noted as being the last meeting for Mr Steve Fox National Disability Services ACT, and the potential last meeting for Ms Fiona May, ADACAS, as they both move on to different opportunities.

The first guest speaker for the meeting was Ms Louise Cooper-Finch from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Ms Cooper-Finch provided an update on the latest statistics for the NDIS in the ACT, and provided positive feedback on a Participant Pathway trial which has been run in Victoria.

Ms Laura Pound from the Justice and Community Safety (JACS) directorate, engaged the group about her work on the Victims Charter of Rights project (the Charter). There have been principles in legislation for the treatment of victims for over 20 years. The Charter will see a new Victims Charter of Rights introduced that will outline victim rights, justice agency obligations when dealing with victims, and a complaints resolution process. The previous Victims of Crime Commissioner consulted with various groups, including people representing the issues of people with disability, and has provided recommendations to inform the new Charter. DRG members provided feedback on the Charter and issues they feel should be addressed in it including a focus on restorative practice, an intermediary scheme and the need to recognise the experience of people with disability and how that impacts on experience of the justice system. Community consultation on the Charter has begun – details on scheduled consultations can be found at www.eventbrite.com.au/d/australia--act/justice/?q=justice&loc=ACT%2C+Australia&date.

The group spoke more broadly about the suite of work happening in the justice space including the responses to the Royal Commission recommendations, the Blueprint for Youth Justice, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Agreement and how all this work aligns with the Disability Justice Strategy. Consultations on the Disability Justice Strategy will begin soon and member discussed the draft consultation paper.

DRG members discussed steps needed to be taken to ensure better employment outcomes for people with disability. The group was informed about a Peer-to-Peer project being run by the Canberra Business chamber which pairs up businesses who have employed people with disability with businesses who want to employ people with disability but may be unsure how to. To attend a Peer-to-Peer information session, go to www.eventbrite.com.au/e/inclusion-in-employment-project-peer-to-peer-information-session-tickets-47490219525?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

10 April 2018

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 10 April 2018. Due to Michael De’Ath, Government Co-Chair and Dougie Herd, Community Co-Chair being unable to attend, Ellen Dunne, Director Office for Disability chaired the meeting. Deborah Eades, a newly appointed member to the DRG, introduced herself and noted her wish to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues remain on the agenda.

The DRG discussed their submission to the Standing Committee on Health, Ageing and Social Services Inquiry into the implementation and governance of the NDIS in the ACT (the Inquiry) and noted the good response rate from members of the community to the survey and drop-in consultations. Members requested that formal thanks be recorded for Mr Herd, for his role in coordinating the Submission.

An official from Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) attended the meeting, to discuss with DRG members how best to engage with people with disability to find out what is most important in the transport area.

TCCS are currently rewriting the Transport for Canberra Strategy (the Strategy) which will look at areas such as community transport, responsive transport, and future/global trends.

DRG members discussed transport issues as they impact on people with disability and advised that issues for TCCS include: way-finding and end-to-end transport issues; accessibility of the light rail; training for bus drivers around how to best support passengers with behavioural issues; street furniture placement; real-time transport information and how to support someone with an intellectual disability when things don’t go to plan (e.g. the bus breaks down or is late); and the need for TCCS to take into account the places where people with mobility issues may need to go more often.

The DRG discussed the the ACT Government’s Disability Commitment as it applies to the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020. Previous commitments have been Future Directions and INVOLVE. Members discussed the strengths and merits of INVOLVE 2015-2017 and highlighted particular features to be revisited. Progress on the commitment to the National Disability Strategy continues across government and further discussion will be held post a revisit of current strengths of INVOLVE.

6 February 2018

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 6 February 2018, the first meeting for 2018. Mr Michael De’Ath, Government Co-Chair, chaired the meeting.

Members of the DRG discussed developing a submission to the Inquiry into the implementation and governance of the NDIS in the ACT (the Inquiry), being undertaken by the Standing Committee on Health, Ageing and Social Services. The DRG decided to develop a set of online questions as well as hold an open public forum to gather information on how the NDIS is working in the ACT. The closing date for submissions is Friday 30 March 2018.

The DRG finalised their workplan for the next 18 months including developing sub-working groups for specific items.

Rachel Stephen-Smith, Minister for Disability, Children and Youth, joined for the last part of the meeting, reiterating her appreciation of the work the DRG does, and her priorities in disability policy for 2018/19.

5 December 2017

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG)met on 5 December 2017. Mr Dougie Herd, Community Co-Chair, chaired the meeting.

This meeting was a single focus on employment, as one of the four priorities of work for the DRG. Guests at the meeting were Ms Jessica May, CEO of Enabled Employment and Mr William Towler, Employment Inclusion Manager, Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, ACT Government.

Members were provided with a range of background papers to inform the discussions including a detailed jurisdictional scan, findings from the ACT Employment Inquiry August 2017, the summary from the Expert Panel Roundtable, and a literature review: Changing community attitudes toward greater inclusion of people with disability.

The group discussed the cultural barriers which prevent people from disclosing their disability in the work place, as well as the barriers that attitudes of employers across the private and public sectors create to employing people with disability and enabling career progression.

10 October 2017

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 10 October 2017. Mr Dougie Herd, Community Co-Chair, chaired the meeting.

Justice was a key theme for this DRG meeting, being a priority for work for the DRG. Guests at the meeting included Ms Karen Greenland, Ms Robyn Bicket and Ms Megan Bobos from the Justice and Community Safety Directorate and Ms Mary Durkin, Consultant who presented on her preliminary findings on undertaking a gap analysis on the development of a Disability Justice Strategy in the ACT.

Ms Durkin has been engaged to develop a gap analysis for a Disability Justice Strategy, which will identify key stakeholders and areas in the ACT justice system with which people with disability could come into contact, and a range of possible roles and interactions they may have with the justice system and where barriers to access exist. The report will also detail some possible initiatives to address those barriers.

Members were provided with a range of background papers to inform the discussions on the development of a Disability Justice Strategy for the Territory, including a detailed environmental scan, a brief summary of ACT disability justice activities and an interim report on the disability justice strategy gap analysis. DRG members agreed that the development of a Disability Justice Strategy is a priority piece of work and contributed perspective and expertise on areas for detailed examination and suggestions for they will continue to be engaged and consulted as the work progresses.

15 August 2017

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG) met on 15 August 2017. Mr Michael De’Ath, Government Co-Chair, chaired the meeting.

A comprehensive discussion was had around the inaugural Community Access Grants. The Grants were an election commitment to provide $200,000 over four years for projects or initiatives that have a broad and deep impact on creating enhanced inclusion of people with disability within ‘mainstream’ community groups and organisations. The DRG discussed the guidelines for the Grants, including changing the name to be the Disability Inclusion Grants, eligibility criteria, and what proposals might be funded.

The new Community Co-Chair, Mr Dougie Herd led a discussion on further shaping the work of the DRG over the next 12 months. The four areas agreed as priorities for the DRG will be:

• A reinvigoration of the ACT Disability Commitment (to the National Disability Strategy);
• Supporting the development of a Disability Justice Strategy;
• Improving health outcomes for people with disability; and
• Improving employment outcomes for people with disability.

Director of the Office for Disability, Ms Ellen Dunne, provided information on the project being undertaken in collaboration with the ACT National Disability Services, focused on growing the disability sector workforce in the ACT. Members were reminded that the next round of Information, NDIS Linkages and Capacity Building Grants is scheduled to open in October 2017; the Office for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Agency will work together to support providers as they apply in this round. Ms Dunne also noted that applications are now open for the I-Day Grants, closing on 4 September 2017. More information on the grants can be found on the Grants, funding and incentives page.

The meeting was the last for three outgoing members of the original DRG – Mr David Long, Mr David Heckendorf and Ms Barbara Causon (not present). Mr De’Ath thanked the outgoing members for their involvement on the DRG, previously known as the Expert Panel, and acknowledged their significant contribution to the work of the group. In particular, Mr De’Ath noted the valuable advice members provided to the ACT Government to help guide the NDIS from a policy concept through a trial period and into the first years of transition in the ACT.

19 June 2017

The ACT Disability Reference Group (DRG)met on 19 June 2017, the first meeting for the new members of the DRG, appointed in April 2017. Ms Sue Salthouse, the Community Co-Chair of the DRG chaired the meeting.

The new members of the DRG are Mr Douglas Herd, Ms Louise Bannister, Ms Mignonne Cullen, Ms Sharon Ding, Ms Alicia Flack-Kone, Mr Wayne Herbert, Mr Justin Le Couteur and Ms Fiona May. Short biographies of the new DRG members can be found on the ACT Disability Reference Group page.

Minister Stephen-Smith attended the meeting and heard introductions from new and outgoing members. The Minister then gave an update on issues discussed by state and territory ministers at the recent Disability Reform Council.

Members of the DRG heard an update from the Director of the new Office for Disability, Ms Ellen Dunne, on the recent NDIS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grant outcomes in the ACT. Ms Dunne also gave an overview of the Office for Disability, including its structure and upcoming priorities.

Mr Michael De’Ath, Government Co-Chair of the DRG and Director-General of the Community Services Directorate, briefly described the new staffing structure of the Directorate.Recruitment to finalise all positions is continuing.

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing the development of a workplan for the new DRG, including the external drivers such as the pending reinvigoration of the National Disability Strategy. Employment of people with disability remains a priority for the next 12 months, as does a Disability Justice Strategy, and enhanced engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with disability.