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DANA eNews – Mid September

Design in gold and navy featuring photo collage of 3 photos Image of diverse people standing in line against mauve background, some have visible disabilities. One has an assistance dog. Image via Department of Social Services promotion of DRC Advocacy and counselling Stock photo via Getty Images of Silver house key in lock against grey door background - keychain stylised shape of a house with two windows and a central door Screenshot from Twitter video of Elly Desmarchelier speaking at Jobs and Skills Summit demanding action for people with disability Text: Check out DANA eNews – Mid September

Check your inbox and junk folder for DANA eNews!

This edition of DANA’s eNews is out and full of the latest news about advocacy, the NDIS, the Disability Royal Commission, and COVID-19 information.

There's also an update about the recent Jobs and Skills Summit, current opportunities, new resources, jobs in the advocacy sector and more...

DANA eNews – October 2021

Disability Advocacy eNews - DANA logo below illustration of diverse people standing in line

This edition of DANA's monthly eNews is packed full of the latest news about advocacy, the NDIS, the Disability Royal Commission, & COVID-19 information, plus current inquiries, consultations, jobs, resources and updates.

DANA eNews – September 2021

DANA logo - image of person reading eNews on a computer and the words: NEWS - September 2021

Check out the latest DANA eNews – September 2021 Edition. It includes the latest news about advocacy, the NDIS, the Disability Royal Commission, and COVID-19 information, plus current inquiries, consultations, jobs, resources and updates...

More time for the Disability Royal Commission to listen

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DANA is very pleased the requested 17-month extension to the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability has been granted, as we have heard from many advocates the urgency for additional time needed for people with disability to tell their stories. The Final Report (from the DRC to the Governor-General) will now be due on 29 September 2023. 

#WeNeedMoreTime! Join the campaign to extend the Disability Royal Commission!

Extend the Disability Royal Commission - #WeNeedMoreTime Our rights. Our voice. Our justice. Image of clock on blue background and url" www.ourroyalcommission.com.au

The Disability Royal Commission has been asked to investigate the violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with all kinds of disability in all settings within an Australian context.

This is a truly enormous task, and the Hon. Ronald Sackville, Chair of the Disability Royal Commission, has requested a 17-month extension.

Along with our fellow disability representative organisations, DANA supports this call, and we ask you to do the same by writing to the Attorney-General Michaelia Cash. 

Time needed for people with disability to tell their stories

Picture of old fashioned alarm clock against wood background

To truly reap the benefits of the substantial public investment in this historic Royal Commission, granting the requested 17 month extension is essential. This extension must include extended funding of DRC support services including individual and systemic advocacy and counselling (through DSS) and legal support (through the Attorney-General’s Department) for people who have experienced disability violence, abuse, neglect and/or exploitation.   

We urge the Commonwealth Government to ensure that Australians with disability have the opportunity to have their voices heard.

Update on confidentiality of Disability Royal Commission submissions

Woman holding finger to lips, mouth has tape across it

You may remember that DANA, with other National disability peak organisations, sent a joint letter in September to the Hon. Christian Porter MP to express concern about the lack of long-term legislative protections for confidentiality. The Attorney-General published a media release on 20 October announcing these amendments will be made, indicating that: "I have instructed my department to work swiftly on the amendments, with the aim of introducing in the Autumn sittings of 2021.” DANA has been hearing from advocates that this lack of assurance is adding uncertainty and complexity to the process of making submissions or deterring people from sharing their story.  

Public hearing to investigate COVID-19 impact

Image Description: Man in wheelchair receives box of supplies at front door - both are wearing mask over their mouth and nose.

The next Disability Royal Commission (DRC) public hearing will investigate the experiences of people with disability during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.The Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC said unless there are significant changes in circumstances, the hearing will take place in Sydney in August. ‘The hearing will gather evidence from people with disability, peak advocacy groups, public health and disability experts, as well as government representatives.'