Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2016
Putting rights centre stage

Friday 2 September @ NAB, The Hall, 700 Bourke Street, Docklands

Maree Edwards MP

Photo of Maree Edwards MP, Victorian Member for Bendigo West

Victorian Member for Bendigo West

The ALP has been in Maree’s blood for generations. She joined the party on the eve of the 1999 election, frustrated with Kennett’s neglect of regional Victoria.

Serving as an Electorate Officer to the former Member for Bendigo West,Bob Cameron, allowed Maree to get to know the Bendigo West community. This was complemented by her work with the Young Mother’s Association (the precursor to the Australian Breastfeeding Association), fundraising, volunteering, being a “Connector” for those with Cancer and a mental health project for men.

In between all her commitments, she has raised 4 kids and was a carer for her husband who died from cancer – juggling the caring roles we’re seeing more within our community. Maree is a strong believer in being a strong role model for her daughters and other young women.

Session

Spotlight: When rights go wrong

Friday 2nd September, 2016: 3:30am - 4:30am

How can we protect the most vulnerable from abuse and neglect? Is the time we are spending on getting quality assurance processes right at the expense of the needs and human rights of people with disability? The panellists drew on the recent glut of inquiries, reviews and investigations to discuss the role of advocacy in … Continued