Member Update: ILC Investment Strategy
The ILC Investment Strategy was released 20th December 2018. The strategy is based on the foundation principles outlined in the
Author: Sharyn McManus
E-Blast: The Public Advocate 2018 Report and Summary
This year the work of the Public Advocate has primarily focused on:
- the aged care sector, with a particular focus on the use of unregulated restrictive practices and elder abuse;
- monitoring aspects of the operation of the mental health system and the Mental Health Review Tribunal and the treatment of involuntary patients;
- working with government to settle a plan for implementation of the recommendations of the Public Advocate’s report Upholding the right to life and health;
- monitoring of the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland; and
- the operation of the forensic disability service and its treatment of residents of the service.
Mary Burgess, Public Advocate for Queensland said in the report “I would like to make some general observations about the treatment of people with disability by some government agencies and systems in Queensland. While we have some very positive and effective legislation guided by human rights principles, which require decision-makers to proactively consider and protect the human rights of people with disability, there are significant examples across systems of this not being achieved in practice.”
A legislative framework will only be effective in protecting people’s rights if those working under it are committed to that outcome and respect the law and people’s rights and there are mechanisms for oversight and accountability.
These observations apply equally to the operation of the forensic disability system and the involuntary mental health system and the way people detained under those systems are treated, despite both systems having rights-focused legislative frameworks.
These system failings underline the continuing need for human rights defender agencies like my office, the Public Guardian, the Queensland Ombudsman and the Anti-Discrimination Commission to be adequately funded to fulfil our functions.
A summary QDN has prepared of The Public Advocate 2018 Report can be accessed online at this link https://qdn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/The-Public-Advocate-2018-report-and-summary.docx
The full report can be accessed online at the link below: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/589291/Public-Advocate-Annual-Report-2017-18.pdf
Seasons Greetings from QDN
QDN wish to thank you for your on-going support during 2018. Our office will close at 5:00pm on Friday 21 December 2018 and will re-open at 8:30am on Wednesday 2 January 2019. The QDN team wish you all safe and happy holidays.
NGR trains to be accessible for all Queenslanders
QDN commends Commissioner Michael Forde’s report on the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train Commission of Inquiry and supports the 24 recommendations.
QDN Board elections 2018
QDN’s Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 3 November 2018 with over 50 people in attendance. We would like to thank all QDN members from across the state for your engagement, feedback, voice, experiences, efforts and energy, which is the heart of QDN. To our allies and supporters we also extend our thanks for your work in partnership and delivering on common goals and outcomes.
My Health Record – make your decision by 15 November
This year, the Commonwealth Government will create a My Health Record for you unless you opt out. QDN has developed an easy English booklet, based on Health Consumers Queensland (HCQ) information, to help you think through the things you need to weigh up so you can make the right decision.
E-Blast: Human Rights Bill introduced to Queensland Parliament
Queenslanders will soon be protected under a Human Rights Act after a bill was tabled in State Parliament yesterday. The Queensland act has been modelled on the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act. That includes a
E:Blast: Queensland renters deserve the right to have a place to call home – make renting fair!
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is one of 12 community based organisations who form the Make Renting Fair Alliance today (October 25 2018) launching the “Make Renting Fair” campaign. It gives a voice to Queensland renters,
Member Feedback Sought: Third Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards)
Background
The Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities is conducting the third review of Disability Standards for accessible public transport. An issues paper and terms of reference have recently been released.
Member Update: Have your say – Reshaping the Disability Services Act 2006
As Queensland transitions to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Queensland Government are reviewing the Disability Services Act 2006 to ensure there are laws in place to reflect the changing landscape of how supports for people with disability are funded and delivered across Australia.