Violet Roumeliotis AM

Thanks to Ciara Sterling, CEO of Thriving Communities Australia (TCA), who talked with the Essential Services Commission team about our Safety by Design Partnership Project this week. This project is developing better practice guides for energy and water businesses to support customers experiencing family violence. The guides will use a Safety by Design approach, to help businesses identify risks and harms in their systems and processes. We heard from Ciara that business products, services and processes can be weaponised by perpetrators against women and others experiencing family violence. Businesses do not intend this but play a critical role in protecting against misuse of their products and services, including through technology. Following this internal event, Commissioners and staff joined business and community representatives in the annual Walk Against Family Violence to stand in solidarity with victim survivors. Thank you to all who joined us to reflect on the impact of violence against women. We stand for a community where all people are safe, equal and respected. More info about the Safety by Design project is on our website: https://lnkd.in/gMSmT7_a

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"Changes to NDIS legislation – frequently asked questions Have the rules for Short Term Accommodation (STA) changed? Short Term Accommodation (STA), also known as respite, is still part of the NDIS under the category 'assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared setting.' Participants can continue to access STA based on the current guidelines. STA provides participants who have informal supports, like families and carers, the chance to stay away from home for at least one night. We usually fund this to help informal supports sustain their caring role and give participants and their informal supports time apart. It can be funded for up to 14 days at a time, with a maximum of 28 days per year. Self-managers can use unregistered providers, but STA funding cannot be used for holidays. Participants can access their usual NDIS supports while on holiday if needed. These must be from the approved list of NDIS supports." This info is from the National Disability Insurance Agency Newsletter

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For all the social entrepreneurs in the ACT...

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The Community Affairs Legislation Committee has just published the joint submission I have co-authored with my friend and NDIA co-design colleague, Uli Cartwright, on the NDIS Bill. Our submission addresses: - The lack of co-design for major changes to the primary legislation according to Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD - Destruction of the golden thread between funding, goals and aspirations for a life worth living on an equal basis with others - Parallels with Robodebt culture in the participant experience and the further risks this Bill imposes - Legislating NDIA accountability to participants - Legislating NDIA, DSS and Government accountability in co-design - Our vision for the co-design commitment we need This submission was made independently of our roles as NDIA Participant Reference Group members. However, in light of the following statement published on the DSS website last night regarding NDIA co-design, we wish to set the record straight: “Since the Government introduced proposed changes to the NDIS Act, the NDIA has been working closely with Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), our Independent Advisory Council (IAC) and Participant Reference Group (PRG) to improve their approach and confirm the next set of priority topics for co-design.” We do not know who drafted this FAQ, but we do not believe “working closely” with the PRG is a fair or accurate representation of a one hour briefing the day after the Bill was tabled, a two hour Q&A for us to give our feedback on the proposed legislative changes, and a two hour meeting on the NDIA’s already-formed, already-drafted co-design approach and proposed topics. At this meeting, we asked the NDIA to ask us what we can contribute and how much work we can take on, not to assume we are not up to the task. We go much further in our submission: We ask the Government, DSS and the NDIA to “assume that we can” contribute much more, and to invite people with disability to lead these reforms, including drafting of amendments (or indeed, re-drafting) of this Bill.

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"The (NDIS Support) lists are incoherent, heavy handed, and, worst of all, inconsistent with the purpose of the NDIS and with larger reforms the scheme needs to be sustainable. For the sake of public confidence in the NDIS, there may be good reason to create a shortlist of supports that are illegal or at odds with public expectations about the appropriate use of public funds. But trying to codify all supports that are ‘in’ or ‘out’ is a fruitless exercise. The government should ditch its 17-page list and focus reform efforts on bringing the NDIS back to its original design intent as a world-leading system of self-directed disability support." https://lnkd.in/g_9tMmDH

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Lights In The Darkness It is true that Iwi Māori Partnership Boards are doing good work co-ordinating and identifying health needs and opportunities in their various rohe. Their concept and establishment was never perfect but the hard work of creating them was done by Te Aka Whai Ora which the Coalition chopped. The IMPBs were not supposed to be simply advisory but to be conduits for health services working with Te Aka Whai Ora. They are not getting the funding or support they need to fulfill anything like their potential. Tautoko the people working so hard to make the best of it. They shine a light on health needs and service opportunities. But they are not, and should not be, viewed as window-dressing on a bad set off health policies.

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This is new & exciting - Check out the link in Emily Gillmartin bio - #ReflectivePractice #generalpractitioners #burnoutprevention #professionalgrowth #medicalpractitioner

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🚨 NDIS Reform Update 🚨 The NDIS Commission is implementing important regulatory reforms to enhance the quality and safety of NDIS supports. 🔑 Key areas of focus: - Changes to mandatory registration for Platform Providers, Support Coordinators, and Supported Independent Living providers. - Proposed amendments to the NDIS Act (Bill No.2), following recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission, to address ongoing quality and safeguarding challenges. - A strengthened regulatory framework, with stricter requirements, stronger penalties, and criminal offences for non-compliance. 📅 Next steps: Mandatory Registration Step 1: Consultation (October 2024 – March 2025) Step 2: Decisions and Transition Plans (April 2025 – June 2025) Step 3: Commence Transition to Mandatory Registration (not before 1 July 2025) Changes to NDIS Bill No. 2 Roadmap Step 1: Consultation (October 2024 – December 2024) Step 2: Proposed NDIS Bill No.2 considered by Parliament no earlier than March 2025 Step 3: Implementation will commence after the Bill is passed by the Parliament of Australia. NDIS Practice Standards & NDIS Rules Reviews Step 1: Consultation commences (March 2025) Check out the NDIS Commission's Regulatory Reform Roadmap, outlining the activities planned to support reform priorities over the next 12 months, including key consultation timelines and events.

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There are five systemic barriers we must overcome to fully unlock the potential of skilled migrants and refugees, including improving the recognition of overseas qualifications and tackling labor market discrimination. I shared some thoughts with CEDA - Committee for Economic Development of Australia in a recent article. Ultimately, the underutilisation of these skilled professionals is not only limiting their potential but also holding back our economy. Addressing this skills mismatch is a shared responsibility — and a shared opportunity — for government, industries, employers, unions, social services, and affected communities. If you're interested in finding out more about our Billion Dollar Benefit campaign: https://lnkd.in/g9nRaHZm

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Media release via Coalition of Peaks 💬 Indigenous leaders respond to PM’s Garma speech: Shared decision-making key to economic development and closing the gap ​ Following the Prime Minister’s speech at the Garma Festival this morning, the Coalition of Peaks welcomed Anthony Albanese’s comments on partnership, and called for accelerated action to turn commitments into reality.  ​ Coalition of Peaks Lead Convenor, Patricia Turner, said federal, state and territory governments agreed to a partnership approach when they signed the National Agreement on Closing the Gap in 2020.  ​ “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that affect our lives. We know what our communities need. We know what leads to better outcomes,” Ms Turner said.  ​ The Prime Minister outlined a particular focus on economic development, noting that his government was working with the Coalition of Peaks to develop a First Nations Economic Partnership. Ms Turner said policy partnerships such as this require governments to relinquish some power and come to decisions by consensus with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives. ​ “The partnership will focus on the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations, supporting job creation and translating our knowledge, assets, and rights into sustainable benefits,” she said. ​ “This new way of working ensures parties can regularly and directly meet with senior government officials on equal footing, and governments are required to report on progress.” ​ Ms Turner said it would also be important for the government to work with Traditional Owners and heritage protection bodies on renewable energy projects and other economic development projects involving natural resources.  ​ She said funding and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations would be key to the success of economic development projects.  ​ “The last thing we want to see is funding for training and job creation programs going to organisations which are not led by, and do not fundamentally understand our people,” Ms Turner said.  ​ “We need opportunities for our people to train and upskill on Country, in their communities, so they can take on the jobs their community desperately needs – whether that be in renewable energy, health, education or the care sector. “Creating jobs and fair and sustainable income streams is key to closing the gap and doing so requires a continued focus on the health, education and wellbeing of our people, alongside the creation of economic opportunities.  ​ “All of this must be done in a way that centres the knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – governments cannot assume they know what is best for us.” 🔎 For more information on the Coalition of Peaks, go to: https://lnkd.in/e-f5HwM 

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Tanya Quinn is a disability advocate, business woman and community builder. She is challenging Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, in the seat of McMahon in Sydney's west. #ChrisBowen is the face of modern Labor. He has never held a #real job outside politics in his life. After university he was a #staffer for two Labor politicians, and an official for the #FinanceSector Union. He married an official of the #Electrical Trades Union - they met, of course, in the Party. Then he became a politician. That is the #sumtotal of his work and life experience. #TanyaQuinn is a dedicated single mother, living in Oatlands with her teenage daughter. She grew up in Macquarie Fields in public housing, and went to #Liverpool Girls High School. She started work as a support worker in aged care and disability services, where her passion for care and advocacy led her to become CEO of two prominent disability providers. Tanya blew the #whistle on fraudulent conduct in NDIS by operators who had no legitimate background in disability services. She took significant personal risk in supplying evidence of corruption to NDIS, but despite this, the individuals concerned continue to operate in NDIS with #minimal repercussions. This experience led Tanya to #start her own venture. She launched a smaller, community-focused service where #quality and genuine #relationships are at the forefront. Now, as a business owner, she focuses on #housingsolutions for people with disabilities across Sydney and the Hunter Region. With an unwavering commitment to #empowering others, she is a powerhouse in her field, always ready to tackle new challenges and champion those most in need. ___ #McMahon is based on #Holroyd and #Fairfield. Growing up in public housing, Tanya has first hand experience of the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities and intimate knowledge of the deep #distrust in these communities of politicians who claim to represent them.  ___ #McMahon is one of many traditionally 'safe' Labor electorates that are vulnerable to community-based challengers. In McMahon, the #LiberalParty is irrelevant. It gets a low vote and can never win. The vote for #Others in McMahon will exceed the vote for the Liberals, which means that a centrist Other candidate can win the seat when the Liberals finish in third place. Tanya says "I want Labor and Liberal politicians removed from the whole #WesternSydney region. They don't belong here anymore. They don't work for us, they just use us in building their careers". You can register you support for Tanya at https://lnkd.in/gA4nUwcr About 45 traditionally 'safe' #Labor seats are winnable by centrist community-based challengers. They can be won by candidates like Tanya. ___ Share this post if you want career politicians thrown out of traditionally 'safe' seats. Then join #DemocracyFirst today and become involved in our movement. https://lnkd.in/gB7mz-3d

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📊 Community Feedback on NDIS Legislation Changes The results are in! Every Australian Counts asked our community about the NDIS changes introduced on 3 October 2024. Here's what you told us: 💬 Community Sentiment: 😔 61% feel negative about the changes 🙂 Only 5% feel positive 📖 Support to Navigate Changes: ❌ 65% feel unsupported ✅ Just 5% feel adequately supported ⚠️ Top Concerns: 📝 Eligibility reassessments 🔎 Support needs assessments 🛒 Rules on NDIS purchases 🚨 Ongoing Issues: ❌ 63% report losing supports, reduced choice, and difficulty accessing services Only 10% believe these changes meet the needs of the disability community, while over 50% say they "do not at all." These results highlight an urgent need for the government to listen to the concerns of participants in all future decisions. Thank you to everyone who shared your feedback—your voices are driving our advocacy. #NDIS Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQbHDjBH

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On Friday, a new chapter began at Yerrabi Health Hub in Canberra. I had the immense honour of speaking at the official opening of the Yerrabi Health Hub — a transformative space that stands as the ACT’s first Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in the out-of-home care sector. This event was far more than a celebration of a building or a service. It was a moment of reflection, learning, and hope for the future of First Nations children, young people, and families in the ACT. Standing on the unceded lands of the Ngunnawal people, I was reminded of the profound privilege I carry as a white woman. A privilege that Professor Dea Delaney-Thiele, a fierce leader and visionary, has so graciously and powerfully challenged. Through her leadership, I’ve learned to confront this privilege and to reimagine how organisations like OzChild can be part of the solution — not just in words, but in real, lasting action. What makes Yerrabi Health Hub so special? - It’s community-controlled by the Ngunnawal people  - It forges vital pathways for young people. - All its services are culturally safe, evidence-based and wholistic - It provides essential support for women and children experiencing family, domestic, and sexual violence. - It embodies the power of unity, partnerships, and shared wisdom. This is the beginning of a journey — not just for Yerrabi Yurwang, but for all of us who are committed to championing real change. Dea’s leadership sparked change within OzChild, igniting a collective drive toward culturally safe practices, authentic partnerships, and a refusal to accept the status quo. It’s because of this drive that we stand with Yerrabi Yurwang today, and every day, and congratulate Dea and the team on what is sure to be a successful future ahead, a future filled with empowerment, opportunity, and enduring change. #YerrabiHealthHub #YerrabiYurwang #FirstNationsLeadership #CommunityControlled #CulturalSafety #OzChild #SharedWisdom #Equity #BetterTogether #LastingChange

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There are many resources that can help you find grants. These include: - Australian Government's GrantConnect - State Government grant databases - Local Council and regional initiative websites - Funder websites, newsletters and social media - Subscription-based services (e.g. The Grants Hub, GEMS, The Funding Centre, GrantGuru). Want to get the best value for your needs? I'm happy to share what I've learned over the years and feedback we've heard from others. Whichever methods you use, you also need a strategy to be proactive and assess grants effectively. Getting a bunch of daily updates is pointless unless you have an actionable plan for filtering opportunities and prioritising resources. If you want to save time and search smarter, get in touch. #findgrants #governmentgrants #philanthropy #australiangrants #purposeplus by Tender Plus

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For the last 5 years Support Coordination pricing has been frozen, risking the closure of essential services and leaving participants at risk. It's time for this to change. This decision is indefensible. Immediate action is needed! We call on the NDIA to increase prices for support coordination (level 2 and 3) at least in line with wage increases in the Disability Support Worker Cost Model. #4abetterNDIS #SupportPeopleWithDisabilities #SupportNDISregisteredproviders

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Upcoming Changes to the NDIS You Need to Know About From 3 October 2024, the NDIS will see significant updates aimed at making the system clearer, fairer, and more consistent for participants. Changes include a new definition of supports, updated budgeting, and stronger oversight. AFDO is here to help you navigate these updates and ensure your voice is heard throughout this process. 👉 Read more about the upcoming changes and what they mean for you: https://buff.ly/4dyLN5U #NDIS #DisabilityAdvocacy

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Economic Abuse Awareness Day - 26 November Economic Abuse Awareness Day is observed on 26 November. Terese Edwards from Single Mother Families has authored an insightful Op-Ed, and today featured a webinar with key experts discussing significant findings and recommendations for improving child support and related policy changes. For more details, refer to the full report at https://lnkd.in/gGvyZBqd. https://lnkd.in/g9TAzE2d #16DaysofActivism

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From: NDIS Looking for new and updated information about changes to the NDIS? We’ve made finding what you need to know easier. New and updated information is now available under the ‘new’ section at the top of our FAQs about legislation webpage. See what's new: https://buff.ly/4fMyuRd

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