ListenIn celebration of NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) week, the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) have recognised national Indigenous Paralympians with the unveiling of new plaques on the Indigenous Paralympian honour board at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, in Sydney, on 6 July. The celebration acknowledged the exceptional achievements of the two Indigenous athletes who represented Australia at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, cyclist Amanda Reid
Listen On Wednesday 7 June 2017, 15 blind or vision impaired Aboriginal people from across Australia met on Gadigal land in Sydney for the inaugural Aboriginal Blind Persons Gathering. First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN), the peak organisation of and for First Peoples with disability convened the meeting in partnership with Blind Citizens Australia. The historic gathering was the first of its kind in Australia and discussions commenced regarding the formation of an Aboriginal Blind
ListenOn Friday First Peoples Disability Network was honoured to host a community gathering to discuss disability, services and supports and the NDIS in the community. It was wonderful to have social justice commissioner, June Oscar in attendance to speak alongside FPDN CEO Damian Griffis. The meeting brought together some of the Elders and community members living with disability. It was a day of robust conversation which culminated in the development of the Barkly FPDN advisory group.
Listen 163 Civil Society Organisations call on Prime Minister to announce a Royal Commission into Disability Violence Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia) along with 163 civil society organisations, and 383 individuals have written to Prime Minister Turnbull calling for a Royal Commission into violence and abuse against people with disability, as was recommended by the Senate Inquiry two years ago. A diverse group of organisations from across Australia signed the statement, including peak bodies, disability
Listen Today 15 blind or vision impaired Aboriginal people from across Australia will meet on Gadigal land in Sydney for the inaugural Aboriginal Blind Persons Gathering. First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN), the peak organisation of and for First Peoples with disability has convened the meeting in partnership with Blind Citizens Australia. The historic gathering is the first of its kind in Australia and the intention is to commence discussions leading to the formation of an
ListenFirst Nations leaders came together in May 2017 at Uluru for the the First Nations National Constitutional Convention. The statement issued at the end of the gathering was read out by Professor Megan Davis and was subsequently published and distributed. FPDN acknowledges the tireless work of many First Peoples over a long period of time many to bring this about. You can read the statement here: ULURU STATEMENT FROM THE HEART We, gathered at the 2017 National
Listen The First Peoples Living Our Way Conference hosted by the national peak organisation, First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) is underway in Wagga Wagga today. The conference brings together people with wide ranging expertise to the regional NSW centre of Wagga Wagga and provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability to discuss the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the broader changes to the disability sector,
ListenThe First Peoples Living Our Way Conference begins in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday 23 May. The conference, coordinated by FPDN, runs from Tuesday to Thursday and provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and their families to share their experiences and to learn more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the changing disability sector. FPDN is governed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. Keep up
Listen The Redfern Statement DISABILITY WORKSHOP COMMUNIQUE 2 May 2017 Sydney On 2 May 2017 the first of the Redfern Statement alliance workshops was held on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We were welcomed to Gadigal land by Ms Yvonne Weldon. We acknowledged the traditional owners of the Gadigal lands, and paid our respects to Elders past and present. The Redfern Statement workshop was hosted by the First Peoples
ListenRegistrations are closing soon for FPDN First Peoples Living Our Way Conference in Wagga Wagga on 22, 23 and 24 May 2017. For more details and to register click here. The Conference Program – First Peoples Living Our Way is available to review.
ListenFPDN welcomes the announcement in last night’s Federal Budget to increase the Medicare levy by 0.5% in order to ensure that the National Disability Insurance Scheme is fully funded. This provides funding security for this once in a generation national reform. The Government has allocated $209.0 million to establish an independent NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to oversee the quality of NDIS providers and enforce the rights of participants, which is another positive inclusion in last
Listen Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia) welcomes some big wins for people with disability in tonight’s Federal Government Budget, but is very concerned by the punitive approach to welfare support that will make life harder for those doing it tough, including people with disability. “We are extremely pleased to hear that an increase in the Medicare levy will fully fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme and finally guarantee the support needs of people with
ListenThe first of the Redfern Statement alliance’s workshops will be held on 2 May in Sydney. The Redfern Statement workshop is being coordinated by FPDN in collaboration with The Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. Representatives from national First Nations and Disability peak organisations will be attending alongside representatives from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Social Services. The Hon. Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, will
Listen On 23, 24 and 25 May 2017 FPDN is hosting a conference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. Community members and service providers are also welcome. Sponsorship is available for First Peoples with disability. Download the flyer here: Living Our Way Conference Flyer Register at www.livingourway.eventbrite.com.au The conference program is available here: Conference Program – First Peoples Living Our Way
Listen FPDN’s Sydney Office is relocating. We will be moving out of our Redfern office on 31 March 2017, relocating during April and opening a new Sydney office in mid May 2017. Staff are available on email and mobile phones as usual during this transition. Contact us: [email protected]
Listen DPO AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE Disability groups renew call for Royal Commission into violence against people with disability Tonight’s ABC Four Corners report, ‘Fighting the System’ exposed more evidence of the appalling levels of violence and abuse against people with disability in Australia. This is only the tip of the iceberg. In light of the graphic and disturbing cases revealed this evening, Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia), calls on the Federal Government to reconsider
ListenToday we pay tribute to the women in our communities. We recognise their strength and resilience, their guidance and wisdom, their love and compassion. Today we recognise International Women’s Day and we will continue to fight for women’s rights every day.
ListenNSW: If you are interested in attending a ‘Getting Prepared’ workshop in your area you can review upcoming events on our website here.
Listen MEDIA RELEASE 3 March 2017 Disability groups slam Government decision not to hold Royal Commission into violence and abuse Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia), an alliance of national peak groups of people with disability, strongly condemned the decision by the Federal Government to rule out a Royal Commission into violence and abuse against people with disability. “We are shocked and angry that the Government has ruled out holding a Royal Commission into the
ListenThe Redfern Statement leaders make the case for change – a blueprint for the future. [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVvGQlHoC18[/embedyt] A closed caption version is available on our Facebook page.
Listen Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peaks will today demand a new relationship with government as they deliver the historic Redfern Statement direct to the Prime Minister at Parliament House. In the lead up to today’s 9th Closing the Gap Report to Parliament, the leaders will call on the Prime Minister to support the historic Redfern Statement, a road map to better address the appalling disadvantage gap between Australia’s First Peoples and
ListenFirst Peoples Disability Network’s leadership and staff are in Canberra today for the Redfern Statement Breakfast with the Prime Minister and will then attend the PM’s Closing the Gap address. This morning, the Redfern Statement was presented to Prime Minister Turnbull and Aboriginal leaders stood together calling on the PM to work with us because #WeHaveTheSolutions. The Redfern Statement is an historic document that was launched in the lead up to the 2016 Federal Election.
Listen MEDIA RELEASE 13 February 2017 Don’t fund the NDIS with cuts to social services and childcare Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia), is alarmed and concerned that the Federal Government is linking budget cuts in the Omnibus Bill, now before the Senate, with funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).“We are shocked and troubled about this announcement from Treasurer Scott Morrison that once again links cuts to social security with funding for the
Listen MEDIA RELEASE 20 December 2016 Expertise of people with disability vital to the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) A diverse partnership of 37 representative organisations of people with disability, disability advocacy organisations and disability peak bodies are calling for the 2017 Board of the NDIA to ensure strong representation of people with disability. The partner organisations made their call as part of a Civil Society NDIS Statement directed to the Council of Australian
ListenUncle Lester Bostock was awarded honorary doctorate on Friday 9 December by AFTRS. Lester Bostock is a leader of the Aboriginal disability movement and Aboriginal film-making and media. AFTRS released the following statement after the ceremony: Lester Bostock, a pioneer of Indigenous media in Australia, and Academy-Award®-winning sound designer David White, have been named recipients of the Australian Film Television and Radio School’s Honorary Degree (Doctor of Arts). As Honorary Degree recipients, Lester Bostock and David
ListenJane Rosengrave received the Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Award at the Australian Human Rights Awards 2016 on Friday. The Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Award – Individual is awarded to a person with a track record in promoting and advancing human rights in the Australian community on a not-for-profit basis. Jane Rosengrave is a proud Yorta Yorta woman and disability advocate. Jane lives with an intellectual disability and is widely respected for her fearless advocacy regarding violence against people with disability.
ListenChange The Record Coalition put out this media release today. COAG must seize opportunity for action on imprisonment and violence rates. MEDIA RELEASE: 08.12.16 The Change the Record Coalition is urging Federal, State and Territory Governments to show leadership, and commit to developing national justice targets when COAG meets this Friday. The Prime Minister has noted that youth justice will be on the agenda and Change the Record is calling for measurable targets to be set
ListenOn Friday 2 December 2016, NSW Manager Dianne Brookes and WA coordinator, Wendy Wright attended an International Day of People with Disability event at Crown Casino, Perth. The Hon. Donna Faragher, Minister for Planning; Disability services made an announcement regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Western Australia. The Minister’s statement regarding the announcement is available online.
Listen MEDIA RELEASE 2 December 2016 International Day of People with Disability Celebrate, Reflect, Act The 3 December each year is the United Nations International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This IDPwD, Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia) celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with disability, reflects on our gains in creating equity and inclusion, and continues to act to make our human rights a reality. IDPwD 2016 coincides with the ten year anniversary
Listen**MEDIA RELEASE** Criminalising disability: Federal leadership required to end the indefinite detention of people with Cognitive and Psychiatric Impairment The Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs tabled its report on the Indefinite Detention of People with Cognitive and Psychiatric Impairment Tuesday evening. The report makes 32 recommendations with a focus on law reform and coordinated policies and programs to support people with cognitive and psychiatric impairment outside the criminal justice system. Damian Griffis, CEO
Listen Our Policy and Research Director Scott Avery attending and presented at Nga Pae o te Maramatanga – International Indigenous Research Conference at the University of Auckland. The research conference brought together Indigenous researchers and scholars from around the world to share experiences, research methods and study outcomes on issues which affect Indigenous people across the globe. Maori culture and ceremony were a feature and highlight of the four day event, of which Maori and
Listen Last night on Lateline Jonathan Hunyor, CEO of The Public Interest Advocacy Centre and our CEO, Damian Griffis, were interviewed following an update on Rosie Ann Fulton’s situation in the NT. Damian Griffis tells Lateline there is no support for Indigenous people with disabilities in the Northern Territory and the issue must be addressed immediately. While Jonathon Hunyor says jailing people with cognitive impairments is unacceptable. You can watch the video online.
ListenCongratulations to our wonderful Board member, Jane Rosengrave. Jane has just been announced as a finalist in the Australian Human Rights Awards 2016. Please see information pasted below from the Human Rights website. Congratulations to all finalists. An outstanding group of people. Five inspiring Australians have been named finalists for the 2016 Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award. “We received 42 nominations from outstanding Australians, dedicated to human rights at the community level,” said Commission
ListenAunty Gayle Rankine, Chairperson of First Peoples Disability Network has been appointed to the Government’s new National Disability and Carers Advisory Council. The Hon. Jane Prentice MP announced the new Advisory Council yesterday to coincide with the National Disability Awards. Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, Jane Prentice said the Council will provide advice to Government on issues of strategic importance at a time of major reform in the disability and carer sectors.
ListenIn July 2016, Following the ABC’s 4 Corners program highlighting the abuse and neglect of young people in detention in the Northern Territory, the Prime Minister of Australia and the Attorney-General announced a Royal Commission into the detention of children and the child protection system in the Northern Territory. In October FPDN’s Research and Policy Director, Scott Avery was called to give evidence to the Royal Commission. Scott’s evidence focused on the importance of ensuring
Listen PDF version: ctrmediarelease_final_27-10-16 CHANGE THE RECORD MEDIA RELEASE – Thursday 27th October 2016 Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander imprisonment must focus on solutions A major national inquiry into the over-imprisonment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must focus on identifying tangible solutions that address the underlying causes of imprisonment, says the Change the Record (CTR) Coalition. In welcoming today’s announcement of an Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry
ListenJune Riemer, Deputy CEO of FPDN is heading to Edinburgh Scotland to the RI World Conference next week. RI World Congress is staged every four years, in the name of the parent organisation – Rehabilitation International (also known as RI Global) – and hosted by a trusted member. Shaw Trust is hosting the 2016 event in Edinburgh, UK. This will be the 23rd RI World Congress, following the previous event, held in Incheon, Korea,
Listen MEDIA RELEASE 17 October 2016 ACT NDIS shutdown must be reversed A number of national and ACT disability representative and advocacy organisations are today calling on the Australian and ACT governments to immediately work together to reverse the shutdown of the NDIS in the ACT. Despite welcome reassurances from Ministers, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has stated that there will be no new NDIS participants in the
Listen MEDIA RELEASE 5 October 2016 Peak disability group condemns decision to deny Deaf juror equal access Today the High Court of Australia unanimously rejected an appeal from Gaye Lyons, a Queensland women who had been turned down for jury service because she requires as Auslan interpreter to participate in proceedings. “The decision is very disappointing”, says peak national disability group, Disabled Persons Organisations Australia (DPO Australia). “However, we won’t be deterred in our fight
ListenOn Friday 23 September the UN issued a news release urging Australia to amend the laws that lead to people being detained because of disability. At the release of the report, the CEO of FPDN, Damian Griffis was interviewed by Mark Colvin for ABC Radio National’s PM program. You can listen and read the transcript here. Australia urged to amend laws that lead to people with mental disabilities being detained indefinitely GENEVA (23 September 2016) –
ListenIt’s Anti Poverty Week this week. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability are often experience multiple barriers leaving them economically and socially excluded. Ensuring that we have a truly inclusive society with access to employment, education and justice is vital. Have a look at our CEO, Damian Griffis’ keynote lecture at the Yabun Festival this year to understand a bit more about this important social justice issue. The Anti Poverty Week website is here.
Listen FPDN’s Policy and Research Director, Scott Avery is presenting at the ACWA breakfast in Parramatta, Sydney on Tuesday morning. Scott will be talking about access to justice and disability. In April this year FPDN, along with partner organisations, made a submission to the Senate Inquiry on Indefinite Detention: ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PERSPECTIVES ON THE RECURRENT AND INDEFINITE DETENTION OF PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE AND PSYCHIATRIC IMPAIRMENT The submission is available to the public. You can
ListenToday, on the first day of Federal Parliament, FPDN was proud to stand alongside national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership organisations to deliver a strong message to Prime Minister Turnbull, his government and the Parliament: – the relationship with the First Peoples of this nation must be reset. Following on from the historic Redfern Statement in June this year, the national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, – National Congress of Australia’s
Listen This week is Brain Injury Awareness Week. At the First Peoples Disability Network we say that meeting the needs of Aboriginal people with disabilities is one of the most critical social justice issues in Australia. It is difficult to think of any more disadvantaged Australians then Aboriginal people with disability. FPDN co-hosted a forum in Redfern with Synapse and we hope to draw attention to the unmet needs of Aboriginal people living with brain
ListenIt’s Brain Injury Awareness Week. FPDN is partnering with Synapse and holding a community event in Redfern on Monday 15 August at 1.30pm. The event is being held at the Redfern Community Centre. Please see flyer below. For more information about brain injury have a look here. flyer-brain-injury-awareness-2016-1
Recent Comments