Discrimination against people with a disability is widespread in Australia’s justice system, according to a damning report soon to be released by the Human Rights Commission (HRC).
It will recommend that each state urgently develop a strategy to ensure people with a disability are treated fairly before the courts and their rights are respected.
One of the cases featured in the HRC’s Equal Before the Law report is that of Melissa Avery, who has a severe intellectual disability. However, it took some time before the Queensland justice system recognised it.
Over a period of four years, she received multiple minor convictions for petty theft after repeatedly stealing colourful calendars and greeting cards.
Ms Avery received so many convictions that she was at risk of being sent to jail. But her disability was not taken into account by the court system.
Her mother Collein says it took years of lobbying before her daughter’s limitations were acknowledged by the courts.
Read the full article ... (off-site)listen to interview on PM (off-site)- Topics:
- Discrimination, Human Rights
- Author:
- Nance Haxton
- Source:
- ABC News online
- Date published:
- Wed 5th Feb, 2014