Lawyers representing about 10,000 disabled workers in a class action over unfair wages have today written an open letter to Senators in response to false claims it would take a cut of any compensation. Under the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) bill, currently before parliament, disabled workers whose wages were calculated using a discriminatory … Continued
The Victorian Coalition Government is taking steps to provide greater certainty about future employment for staff of Bendigo’s Sandhurst Residential Services. Minister for Disability Services and Reform Mary Wooldridge said the Napthine Government is proposing to speed up the tender process by up to five months to appoint community-based providers to manage the new homes … Continued
The Abbott government is using money and law to close down criticism and gag the community’s most trusted voices. There was something missing from the revised service agreements under which the federal government provides funding to community legal centres around Australia, recently sent out to 140-odd such organisations. The old clause five was gone. That … Continued
Every platform on the Frankston line will soon be fitted with new ramps enabling people with mobility aids to board trains independently and more easily, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced today. In conjunction with this great initiative, Mr Mulder announced that ‘no-cyclist’ signs will be painted on the platform to prevent cyclists boarding … Continued
They put the gates and the fences in when one of the residents wandered down through the sprawling grounds to a nearby road where she began sticking her fingers up at passing traffic. Note: You will need to be subscribed to read the full article.
Inclusive education, where students with disabilities are educated within mainstream classrooms rather than special schools or classes, is widely recognised as being the best way to ensure everyone gets a good education. However, resourcing is a major issue, with schools not receiving adequate funding or training. One of the major barriers to adequate funding is … Continued
Labor’s spokeswoman on disability reform, Jenny Macklin. Labor’s spokeswoman on disability reform, Jenny Macklin. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen Labor will oppose Coalition proposals which would require intellectually disabled workers to waive their right to make discrimination claims in return for a payment. The Senate is considering Abbott government proposals for a scheme to provide payments to … Continued
First Dog on the Moon is Australia’s only Walkley Award winning marsupial based cartoonist and has done all sorts of things including books, radio, stage shows and a lot of lying down. His cartoons are now audio described and available on the Guardian website for download.
A Senate Committee report into the controversial payment assessment tool for people with disability has delivered a divided verdict, with both the Labor and Greens parties providing dissenting reports. A Senate Inquiry report into the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme Bill 2014 and the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme (Consequential Amendments) … Continued
Workers with intellectual disabilities from what used to be known as ‘sheltered workshops’ are seeking back pay after the Federal Court ruled that paying them a fraction of the minimum wage was discriminatory and they are fighting their case despite a Government offer of half what they’re claiming in return for dropping their case.
AN INNOVATIVE two-phase housing project for young people with high-care needs is now under construction in Brisbane. Charity group Youngcare has launched its third Queensland building development, a four-bedroom share house and co-located family homes, in the inner-city suburb of Wooloowin. Stage one, due for completion in late October, will deliver an architecturally designed four-bedroom, … Continued
The average cost of care plans completed in the first three months of the NDIS was almost a third higher than the average cost during modelling, says the minister responsible for the scheme, Mitch Fifield. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out under budget, according to a report from the agency implementing the … Continued
V/Line said 22 of the disability-suitable Z-class carriages were withdrawn from service last year for bogie testing and repair. V/Line said 22 of the disability-suitable Z-class carriages were withdrawn from service last year for bogie testing and repair. Seven years ago when Terry Mulder was in Opposition he criticised the lack of wheelchair accessible rail carriages … Continued
‘Strengthening Disability Advocacy’, a conference aimed at providing self-advocacy skills to those with intellectual disabilities, gets underway today in Melbourne and three people heading to the conference join us this morning. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is being rolled out and the government has foreshadowed tightening eligibility to the disability pension, the Disability Discrimination Commissioner … Continued
IBM named Frances West as the company’s first Chief Accessibility Officer to guide Big Blue’s accessibility policies and practices. IBM has created a new position, Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO), aimed at redefining accessibility for users and ensuring that all users can have access to technology. Big Blue appointed Frances West as the company’s first Chief … Continued