Mentally Impaired Held in Northern Territory Jails Without Conviction

DARU Update

Date

• IN THE NEWS
• EVENTS & TRAINING
• PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
• SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
• FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
• PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

IN THE NEWS

Mentally Impaired Held in Northern Territory Jails Without Conviction

Suzanne Smith, ABC News, June 26th

Medical experts are appealing to the Northern Territory Government to address a law that sees mentally impaired people kept in jail indefinitely, without being convicted.

Alice Springs has an acute lack of mental health facilities, so high-needs clients end up in jail.

Four men are currently being held in the Alice Springs jail without being convicted of a crime and with no release date because they were deemed "unfit to plead".

It is a practice that has been described as tantamount to torture.

Two of them, are being held in the maximum security section of Alice Springs prison because the Territory has no other facilities for them.Both men are thought to have been born with foetal alcohol syndrome.

(One) has been in jail for four years without conviction, while (the other) is coming up to his fifth year.

One of the Territory's answers to the dilemma of having the mentally impaired in prison is a complex next door to the Alice Springs jail.The safe and secure facility will be opened in the next few months. It will house eight adults and eight young people.But there are already concerns that the Alice Springs facility is grossly inadequate for the current and future needs of Central Australia.

The new facility is marginally better than a prison, describing it as "ill-informed and primitive" compared to the therapies that are available and needed. There is also concern this new facility could act as a holding cell because of a lack of supervised community places for inmates to make a transition into the outside world.

And there are concerns it will not cater to a growing number of adults in the Northern Territory who need disability services.

To read the full story visit

Business as Usual for Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Karen Toohey, Acting VEOHRC Commissioner, 27 June

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission regrets the resignation of its board members, as reported in the media.

The vacancies on the Board have no effect on the Commission’s day-to-day operations and service delivery, and the Commission will continue to carry out its statutory functions and responsibilities.

As the agency responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Victoria, the Commission will be continuing to work hard to deliver services that support and promote equal rights for all Victorians.

The Commission also wishes to clarify the following points:

• There is no legislative impediment to the Commission continuing its work with vacancies on the Board.
• The Commission continues to have powers to investigate serious and systemic discrimination.
• The Commission would also like to thank the departing board members for their contribution to the Commission and for their commitment to fostering a human rights culture in Victoria.
• The Commission looks forward to working with new board members when appointed by the Attorney-General.

To download the media statementfrom Board ChairJohn Searle visit

Vic Philanthropy Partnership Plan

Pro-Bono News, July 5

The Victorian Government has released a plan to increase collaboration between philanthropy and government partnerships in the state.

The Guiding Principles for Collaboration between Government and Philanthropy was launched by Acting Premier Peter Ryan and the Office for the Community Sector with the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.

The report has been developed for philanthropic grant makers who are considering entering into a partnership with the government and explores the steps and issues that should be addressed by organisations to achieve a successful collaboration.

“Using these guiding principles, the Coalition Government and philanthropy can look forwardto better ways of working together, to create resilient, liveable and prosperous communitiesacross Victoria“ M. Ryan said

For more information or to download a copy of the plan visit

Director of Office for Disability Resigns
Office for Disability 6 July 2012

Christine Mathieson has advised the Disability Advocacy sector that she has resigned from DHS and the Public Service to take up the role as CEO of Vicdeaf. Her last day will be Friday 3 August.

Chris emailed the sector saying “I wanted to personally thank you for your support and advice during my time in the Office for Disability but I have known many of you for a much longer period than that.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working either directly or indirectly with the disability advocacy sector and have learnt much. I take with me many fond memories and pearls of wisdom and wish you every success in continuing to promote the voice and participation of people with a disability.
I would like to take this opportunity to publically acknowledge the team in the Office, lead so capably by Michael Cromie who work with you. They are an outstanding group and I will miss them enormously.”

DARU would like to formally acknowledge Chris’s valuable contribution to the sector and wish her well in her new endeavours.

EVENTS & TRAINING

Did you know that you can now submit an event directly to the Events Calendar on the DARU website? Events submitted will also be included in the Update. The Submit an Event form is available at:

Come to the Movies and Support Blind Citizens Australia andAudio Description

When: / Thursday 26 July 2012, 4pm-7pm
Where: / Jam Factory 500ChapelSt,SouthYarra
Cost: / $8 concession price
$12 full price
RSVP: / By 13th July 2012
To book tickets
Drop into the BCA office, Ross House, Level 3,
247-251 Flinders Lane Melbourne, or
Phone (03) 9654 1400, Email .
For more information contact Thai Nguyen on (03) 9654 1400.

Blind Citizens Australia- BCA has worked long and hard to increase access to audio description –AD in cinemas for people who are blind or vision impaired.

AD is a way to describe the visual elements seen on screen in a clear and private manner. It gives a person who is blind or vision impaired a true sense of what is happening on screen with a description of scenery, costumes, facial expression and body language which is spoken between natural pauses in dialogue.

The four major cinema chains are well on their way to delivering on the target of 242 accessible screens in 132 cinema locations by 2014. At present, there are 71 screens offering audio description across 37 cinema locations. This is huge increase from where we were only a few years ago.

Join BCAon the July 26thforan open AD screening of Ice Age 4. Audio description will be streamed out into the open for all to enjoy - no headphone use required.Our Christmasin July event celebrates the rollout of audio description in mainstream cinemas with an AD movie, the obligatorypopcorn andchoc tops, canapes and refreshments!

To download the flyer visit

Assessment and Referral Court List (ARC) - How Does It All Work

Presented by DARU with Glen Hardy , ARC Program Manager

When: / Wednesday18th July Thursday 19th July.
Wednesday August 1st Thursday August 2nd.
Please note that each session is limited to 5 people
Where: / 233 William Street Melbourne
Time: / 9:45am for a 10:00am start to 4:30pm
Register: / To register go to

by Friday 13 July

The Assessment and Referral Court List (the List) is a specialist court list developed by the Department of Justice and the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria to meet the needs of accused persons who have a mental illness and/or a cognitive impairment.

The List works collaboratively with the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP), which provides case management to participants. Case management may include referral for psychological assessment or referral to welfare, health, mental health, disability, and/or housing services and/or drug and alcohol treatment.

This onsite visit will allow you to see the court in action and gain a better understanding for you and your clients.

Where time permits there will be opportunities to meet with the magistrate and police prosecutor between cases.

To download the ARC information sheet visit

For full details of DARU’s training calendar, visit

An Introduction to Working with Individuals who Self-Abuse

2 day training workshop presented by SAFE in Oz

When: / Bairnsdale 17th & 18th July

Wodonga/Albury 23rd & 24th July

Pakenham 14th & 15th August 2012

Ballarat 23rd & 24th August 2012

Cost: / $395
Register: / For more information visit

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC)

The VEC has developed resources for people who are homeless. There is nowa package of materialsavailable called “Homeless not Voteless”.

Some of these resources arein Easy English.

An updated Easy English resource for this year’s Local Council Elections is also available.

For more information

Email:

Phone 131 832 Outside Victoria: 61 3 8620 1100

Late Effects of Polio Discussion Paper Released

Wednesday 4 July 2012

The House of Representatives Health and Ageing Committee have released its discussion paper, Late Effects of Polio/Post Polio Syndrome which highlights the need for greater awareness to improve diagnosis and management of the condition.

Key recommendations of the report include establishing measures to help estimate the number of people living with the late effects of polio/post polio syndrome (LEOP/PPS) and increasing awareness of LEOP/PPS amongst medical students and experienced medical practitioners.

Although polio was eradicated in Australia in the year 2000, it is believed that between 20 000 and 40 000 Australians were infected by the virus between the 1930s and 1960s. Many years after contracting the initial infection, some polio survivors have developed a range of biomechanical and neurological symptoms known as LEOP/PPS.

Committee Chair, Mr Steve Georganas, said that with LEOP/PPS symptoms being largely unrecognised to date, there is a clear need for improved diagnosis.

“It is imperative that awareness of LEOP/PPS is raised within the medical community, including during undergraduate medical training and also within the community at large. These initiatives would be aimed at ensuring that clinical history of polio is considered when assessing symptoms,” Mr Georganas said.

The committee’s report, which focussed on a number of key areas including the prevalence, diagnosis, management, treatment and support of LEOP/PPS was based on a roundtable that brought together a range of participants with interests in the advocacy, support, treatment or management of LEOP/PPS. It highlighted the substantial physical, social, emotional and financial effects that LEOP/PPS has on its sufferers.

“Improved diagnosis will lead to better estimates of the prevalence of the condition and in turn better management and treatment outcomes for LEOP/PPS sufferers,” he said.

Copies of the committee’s discussion paper will be made available from the committee’s website

For all enquiries, please contact the Committee Secretariat by phone on (02) 6277 4145 or visit the committee's website:

Inquiry into Mental Health and Workforce Participation

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment conducted an inquiry into the barriers to participation in education, training and employment experienced by people with mental ill health.

The committee has now handed down its report making 15 recommendations.

To download the report visit

NDIS Ready: Bulletin 1

NDIS Ready: Bulletin 1 is the first of a series of special NDS bulletins that will keep you up to date, informed and ready for the transition to an NDIS.

Each bulletin will feature:

• the latest developments in the implementation of the NDIS
• an update on NDS’s NDIS Readiness Transition Plan and related activities
• a case study of effective innovation from around the sector worth sharing.

To download the bulletin visit in PDF in Word

VCOSS Sector Sustainability Newsletter July Update

In this edition read about

• Pay Equity Update
• One DHS standards Information sessions
• Modern Award Information sessions

To download the newsletter visit

WWDA News Issue 2, 2012

This edition includes

• Special Report: WWDA Delivers at High Level Panel on ‘Rural Women and Girls With Disabilities’ at UN

• Women with disabilities meet with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women

• New Project: ‘Voices against Violence: Assessing the Evidence on Violence against Women with Disabilities’

• Article on Sterilisation in marie claire Magazine

• Disability in Indigenous communities: addressing the disadvantage

• The 2nd World Assembly of Women with Disabilities

• National Violence Plan Implementation Panel (NPIP) - Report from the Inaugural meeting

• To download the newsletter visit

Accessible Information Update

Scope’s Communication Resource Centre,mid yearupdate is now available. It includes

• New resources and brochures developed
• Workplace literacy
• New training options for July- December 2012
• Staff changes

To download the newsletter visit

SUBMISSIONS,CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS

Taxi Users: Have Your Say on the Draft Taxi Inquiry Report

DARU and VCOSS are pleased to host a forum for taxi users to provide feedback to the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry on their draft report.

The forum will hear a presentation from Inquiry Chair Professor Allan Fels AO. There will be time for questions, followed by additional discussion allowing participants to provide feedback on the draft recommendations

When: / Friday 13 July
9.30am – 10.30am for registrations and tea and coffee on arrival.
Forum 10:30am – 12:30pm
There will not be any other catered breaks
Where; / RACV Club, Level 2 Conference Centre
501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Register: / Please register by Monday 9 July 2012
Register online:
By phone: Liza on 03 9654 5050
* Places are limited
Additional needs: Services, equipment and materials (including Auslan interpreters or attendant carers) will be provided if listed at registration.

For more information, please contact Michelle Lane at VCOSS on phone 03 9235 1009 or e-mail

The report can be found on the Inquiry’s website in PDF and Word formats.The accessibility of taxis can be found in chapter 15 of the report

Audio files of Chapter 15 are also available from the Inquiry’s website here -

Detailed analysis can also be found in fact sheets on the Inquiry’s website -

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Telstra Foundation’s Million Dollar Anniversary Grants

The Telstra Foundation is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a launch of a new $1million grants program called Everyone Connected.

The Everyone Connected Grants program is designed to assist disadvantaged Australians enjoy the benefits of modern communication technology.

One hundred $10,000 grants are available to Not for Profit community organisations to support local activities that help enhance digital inclusion by connecting disadvantaged children and young people to the internet, build their online skills or promote cyber safety.

“Over the past decade, the Foundation has invested $40 million to support 7000 community programs make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across Australia,” Telstra's Chief Sustainability Officer Tim O'Leary said.

Not for Profit organisations can directly apply for a grant by visiting

Applications close on Monday 30 July 2012, with successful applicants to be announced in September 2012.

Cultivate Professional Development Grants

This grant for Australian artists with disability is open for 2012.Now in its second year, Cultivate provides seed funding to artists who want to further develop their professional artistic practice.

Grants of up to $8,000 will be available for skills or professional development opportunities, mentoring, training, travel and more. For more information on Cultivate visit the Arts Access Australia website.

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

Advocate

Contract Position 0.8 eft.

$45,000 - $48,394 per annum, pro-rata + super)

Location: Preston, Melbourne

ADEC is a community based, state-wide, non-profit organisation specialising in providing individual advocacy and direct services to people with disability and their carers from diverse ethnic communities. ADEC also provides consultancy to other service providers across the state on matters related to cultural awareness and disability.

Scope of Program

Advocacy is one of the strategies employed by ADEC to achieve its Vision and Mission. An Advocate works in partnership with people with disability and/or their carers, to ensure they achieve and maintain their rights as citizens. The Advocacy Program is provides three types of advocacy: Individual, Family, Self Advocacy.

Successful applicant must enjoy working in a diverse, multidiscipline and multicultural environment and understand disability issues. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Salary sacrifice is available.

For further information and enquiries, please contact us on (03) 9480 1666.

To apply, please send your application, addressing the Key Selection Criteria to the Executive Director, ADEC, 175 Plenty Road, Preston, 3072, or by close of business 16 July 2012

To download the position description, visit

No Limits Season 12 Auditions

Grit Media are looking for new cast members for their flagship program No Limits, their multi-award winning community Television program focused on disability rights, airing in capital cities across Australia.

If you are a person with a disability and an abundance of onscreen charisma and creativity, we want to hear from you! We're looking for comedians, news readers, performance artists, activists and journalists.A demonstrated interest in the disability sector and related issues will be very highly regarded.

If this sounds like you, please send a short self summary, including your contact details and the reason you would like to be involved in the show (no more than one page), to Naomi 5pm, July 13thand we will be in touch.

Auditions will be held between the 16thand 20thof July.

The show will be shooting from August to November 2012 and cast will need to be available on the occasional Saturday for studio based shoots.

DARU has been funded by the state government. It is run by a governance group, including members of the Disability Advocacy Network (DAV) and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co-ordinator, Sharon Granek, and an Administration Officer, Natasha Brake.