7 July 2020 - meeting 1 - communique

The first scheduled meeting of the NT Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) was held on 7 July 2020.  The Minister for Disabilities welcomed members to the meeting and thanked members for putting their hands up to be members of the committee. The minister noted the important role of the DAC to represent people in the NT living with disabilities to provide advice to government on issues affecting them.

The purpose of the meeting was to talk about the frameworks and policies that are in place internationally and in Australia which support the rights of people with disability and which guide Commonwealth and state / territory governments in ensuring they meet their obligations to people with disability. Including through ensuring that people with disability have access to the supports and services they need to have a good life and equal opportunities in life as other Australians.

Mr Damian Griffis, Chief Executive Officer of the First Peoples Disability Network, made a presentation to the DAC. Mr Griffis talked about:

• the First Nations Disability Network its establishment and role
• the importance of culture and how this can influence the way people view disability and how people with disability are treated
• the United Nations Human Rights System and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous people; the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disability
• the Royal Commission into Violence Abuse and Neglect of People with Disability.

Mr Griffis spoke to members about the importance of their role as advocates and representatives of people with disability in the NT.  He provided inspiration to members in talking about how people with disability may seek to advocate for their own rights and the rights of others.

For more information about the network, go to the First People’s Disability Network Australia website.

Ms Kate Costello, from the Australian Government, Department of Social Services talked to members about the national disability strategy. Ms Costello talked about:

• the key policy areas addressed by the national disability strategy
• the development of the new national disability strategy, and
• consultations that are planned to occur for the new strategy and how the Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee could be involved in these.

More information about the new national disability strategy is available at the Australian Government's Department of Social Services website. Information about upcoming consultations for the strategy will be available from the Department of Social Service engage page.

Members of the committee talked about two key discussion points in the meeting:

• What makes a good life?
• What is your experience of mainstream services?

What makes a good life?

Members were asked to talk about what makes a good life for them, the things that are important to them and the people they care for and how we can achieve this.

Key themes discussed by members were as follows:

• Community awareness and understanding regarding disability and the importance of educating the community to promote and develop this.
• Inclusion, communication and acceptance in your community as key to supporting the quality of life of individuals and their families and carers.
• The fundamental importance of family and your support networks to achieving a good life, noting their role as advocates and believers in your capacity and ability.
• The ability to access the specialist services, supports and technology that you need in order for you to carry on with your daily life and to be able to engage in the community, your workplace and in activities of your choice.
• Options to have choice and control in the supports and services you choose and how they are provided.  Members noted that this option was not available in rural and remote areas and this detrimentally affected their quality of life.
• Being independent and feeling empowered to be able to be your own advocate.
• The importance of supports for families of people with disability, both carers and dependents. Noting that few people are islands and the impacts of disability on family also need to be considered and supported to maintain these important relationships.
• Security and safety, including ensuring you have access to a stable home, economic security, a career and options to work and solid support networks; and that you feel safe in the community.
• Access to mainstream services, including education and transport.

What is your experience of mainstream services?

Members were asked to talk about their experience of using mainstream services, including what services worked well for them, things that need to be improved and how it could be better.

Key points raised by members across a variety of areas were as follows:

• Services and expert advice, when available has been good. There has been some improvement in some mainstream areas particularly around provision of real time captioning and interpreters.
• Increased education and awareness of mainstream service providers, including schools and health services is still needed around some conditions and disabilities. This includes education of those less visible disabilities and to accommodate high turnover of staff, particularly in remote and regional areas.
• There are challenges around service delivery and availability in remote areas. This makes it difficult to access specialist services and appointments when needed.
• General infrastructure including public transport, access to buildings, equipment on aeroplanes continue to be a struggle.
• Infrastructure requirements in remote areas still requires work. This may include aids to improve accessibility to buildings, aids to ensure people in buildings are safe.
• Having access to transport, and out of care transport is important to access services and community events is important.
• Need more programs to promote and support exercise and social interaction for people with disability.
• Communication around service delivery could be improved. Lack of communication of available services mean services are not being utilised.
• Limited options for children with disabilities post school.
• COVID-19 has stopped many services, such as respite and support. There are limited services in Alice Springs because it is classed as remote.

The date for the next meeting of the Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee will be provided when it has been confirmed.

Chris Blackham-Davison
Vice Chair, Northern Territory Disability Advisory Committee