Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the peak organisation for women with all types of
disabilities in Australia. It is a not-for-profit organisation constituted and driven by women
with disabilities. It is the only organisation of its kind in Australia and one of only a very
small number internationally. WWDA is inclusive and does not discriminate against any disability.
WWDA is unique, in that it operates as a national disability organisation; a national women's
organisation; and a national human rights organisation (more information about WWDA can be found
at the organisation's extensive website: www.wwda.org.au). Please find below a brief Update Report on some of WWDA's
activities for the months of December 2003 and January 2004. If you have any questions,
or would like more information on anything in this report, please email Carolyn at: wwda@wwda.org.au
Return to the Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) Newsletters Page
1. WWDA Submission to the Federal Government's Discussion
Paper 'Resolving Deadlocks: A Discussion Paper on Section 57 of the Australian Constitution'
On 8 October 2003 the Prime Minister released 'Resolving deadlocks: a discussion paper on section 57
of the Australian Constitution'. This paper considered additional options for resolution of
deadlocks between the Senate and the House of Representatives. Section 57 currently provides
for deadlocks between the House of Representatives and the Senate to be resolved by a double
dissolution election. The first option canvassed by the discussion paper would allow the
Governor General to convene a joint sitting of both houses to consider a deadlocked bill,
without the need for an election. The second option would allow the Governor General to
convene a joint sitting of both houses after an ordinary general election.
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) developed a Submission in response
to 'Resolving deadlocks' Discussion Paper. WWDA believed it was important
to make the Submission because women with disabilities disproportionately
experience breaches of their citizenship right to participate in democratic
decision-making. These breaches occur at all levels of Australian society,
including the national parliamentary one.
A copy of WWDA's Submission to the Federal Government's 'Resolving deadlocks'
Discussion Paper is now available on WWDA's website ('Submissions to Government').
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/deadlock.htm
2. WWDA Submission to the National Evaluation of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) IV 2003/2004
SAAP is a support program assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,
through a range of support and supported accommodation services. It is an important
part of Australia's overall response to homelessness and of the broader social safety
net designed to prevent disadvantage in the community. The overall aim of SAAP, as set
down in the Supported Accommodation Assistance Act, is to provide transitional
supported accommodation and a range of related support services, in order to help
people who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness to achieve the maximum
possible degree of self-reliance and independence. Within this aim the goals are to:
resolve crisis; re-establish family links where appropriate; and, re-establish the
capacity of clients to live independently of SAAP.
SAAP IV was evaluated in late 2003 - early 2004. The purpose of the evaluation
was to examine the progress and effectiveness of SAAP IV and to advise on the future
directions of the program. Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) developed a
submission to the National Evaluation Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP IV).
A copy of WWDA's Submission to the National Evaluation of the Supported
Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) IV 2003/2004 is now
available on WWDA's website ('Submissions to Government').
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/saap1.htm
3. WWDA Submission to the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services on its Draft Strategic Framework for Disability
Services 2003 - 2008
In late 2003, the Tasmanian Government released its Draft Strategic Framework for Disability
Services 2003 - 2008. WWDA developed a submission in response to this Draft Framework.
WWDA's Submission provides discussion around a number of areas, including: definitions
of 'disability services', 'quality of life', and 'people with disabilities';
Commonwealth/State Relations; the model of disability underpinning the Strategic
Framework; the human rights imperative for reforming mainstream services to meet
the needs of people with disabilities; acknowledgement of the self-determination
of people with disabilities; and more.
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) has made this Submission, because women
with disabilities disproportionately experience breaches of their human right to
adequate health and community services. Where the Submission recommends changes
to the Framework, it clearly evidences how they are practicable ones that
significantly add to the Framework's efficacy.
A copy of WWDA's Submission to the Tasmanian Department of Health and
Human Services on its Draft Strategic Framework For Disability Services
2003 - 2008 is now available on WWDA's website ('Submissions to Government').
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/tasdis1.htm
4. Productivity Commission Review of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992
The Productivity Commission Review of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992
commenced in mid 2003 to examine the social impacts of the legislation on people with
disabilities and on the community as a whole. Among other things, the Commission is
required to assess the costs and benefits of the DDA and its effectiveness in achieving
its objectives, which in summary are to: eliminate as far as possible discrimination on
the grounds of disability; ensure equality of people with disabilities before the law;
and; promote recognition and acceptance of the rights of people with disabilities.
In June 2003, WWDA developed a submission to the first stage of the Review -
a copy of WWDA's Submission is available on WWDA's
website: http://www.wwda.org.au/ddasub.htm
The draft report, Review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992,
was released on 31 October 2003. The report contains the interim findings
of the Productivity Commission's public inquiry. Some of the key points of
Draft Report are:
The DDA appears likely to have provided net benefits to the Australian community.
- many benefits are intangible but widespread
- costs of complying with the DDA should be quite small for many organisations
- in-built safeguards help ensure costs are outweighed by benefits
- its impact on competition is likely to be limited.
But there is not enough information to quantify these costs and benefits. Comment is
requested on costs and benefits both for people with disabilities and businesses.
Overall, the DDA has been reasonably effective in reducing discrimination. But its
report card is mixed and there is some way to go before its objectives are achieved.
People with physical disabilities have been helped more than those with mental and
intellectual disabilities. Access to transport and education has improved more than
employment opportunities. People in regional areas, from non-English speaking backgrounds
and Indigenous Australians still face particular disadvantages - but race discrimination,
language, socioeconomic background and remoteness also play a part. Minor changes would
make the DDA more effective, including:
- changes to the Act (to clarify definitions, extend the power to make disability
standards and restrict the scope of exemptions);
- changes to complaints processes (to provide more certainty about court costs
and allow organisations and HREOC to initiate complaints);
Further measures may be considered to improve employment opportunities for people with
disabilities, consistent with economic efficiency. Comment is sought on:
- the appropriate sharing of costs of adjustments between government and business;
- the introduction of a 'positive duty' on employers to identify and work toward removing
barriers to the employment of people with disabilities.
The DDA, and HREOC, need the support of mainstream mechanisms wherever possible:
- in monitoring and enforcing disability standards;
- through co-regulation (backed by disability standards).
Public hearings to discuss the draft report will commence in Melbourne on 29 January 2004
and conclude in early March. WWDA will be attending the Public Hearings. WWDA will
also be preparing a written Submission to the Productivity Commission on the draft
report. More information about the Productivity Commission Review of the Disability
Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992, including copies of the draft Report is available
via the Productivity Commission's website: http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiry/dda/index.html
5. International Encyclopedia of Disability - SAGE Publications
In late 2003, WWDA was invited to contribute to the International Encyclopedia
of Disability which will be published by SAGE publications in Chicago in 2004.
The project involves the written contributions of 400 international scholars
in disability, and will be marketed to every major library in the world.
Each of the five volumes will be about 900 pages in length. The first
four volumes consist of original material written for the encyclopedia
and organised alphabetically. The fifth volume will consist of primary
source material with short commentaries contextualising each source.
Part of this fifth volume will attempt to illustrate Australian
disability history and culture. This includes source material that
epitomises (positive and negative) values and attitudes towards disability,
and that relates to pointed and poignant moments in Australian disability history.
WWDA contributed an entry to the International Encyclopedia of Disability, which
gives a brief overview of WWDA's evolution, role and major achievements. Helen
Meekosha, Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, is jointly responsible
for compiling and editing the International Encyclopedia of Disability.
6. Update on French Republic's Human Rights Prize 2003
In early September 2003, WWDA was formally invited by the French Government
to apply for the French Republic's Human Rights Prize for 2003. The prize
distinguishes field work and projects connected with the practical defence
and furtherance of human rights, in the spirit of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights. WWDA was one of only two Australian entries for this most
prestigious Award, and the only Australian entry invited to apply.
Unfortunately, WWDA's entry was unsuccessful. The winners of the Prize for 2003 came
from Iran and Cambodia. WWDA received the following letter from the French Ambassador in Canberra:
AMBASSADE DE FRANCE
EN AUSTRALIE
Canberra, 21 November 2003
Ms Carolyn Frohmader
Executive Director
Women With Disabilities (Australia)
PO Box 605
ROSNY PARK TAS 7018
Dear Ms Frohmader,
I refer to your submission for the French Government's Human Rights Awards 2003.
I have much regret in informing you that your submission has been unsuccessful.
Rest assured that, although your organisation was not chosen among the very many
candidates received from all over the world, we found your action aiming at improving
the condition of women with disabilities a very deserving one indeed. May I take this
opportunity to congratulate your organisation for devoting so much efforts to such a
worthy cause and wish you every success in your endeavours.
Yours sincerely,
Patrick Henault
Ambassador of France
7. Submission to The Reichstein Foundation
In late 2003, WWDA submitted a funding application to the Reichstein Foundation
in Victoria. The Reichstein Foundation funds projects which effect structural
change to benefit disadvantaged communities. WWDA's application was successful
and in late December 2003, WWDA received $20,000 from the Reichstein Foundation
to conduct a national project to improve the status of women with disabilities
through systemic advocacy. The need for this Project has been identified by
members of WWDA who have repeatedly expressed their concerns at the consistent
exclusion of women with disabilities in Government policy as it affects women.
Most specifically, women with disabilities are concerned at the exclusion of
women with disabilities in the development of Commonwealth Government women's policy.
The main activities of the Project will include the establishment of
a National WWDA Women's Policy Working Group (made up of women with
disabilities) which undertakes systemic advocacy, research and policy
development in the area of women's policy. The Working Party will
contribute extensively to a number of specific national projects and
programs and will address other areas of concern to women with disabilities
by proactively contributing informed and representative advice to government
on women's policy development and implementation.
WWDA is currently in the planning phase of the Project. If you would like more
information about this Project, please contact Carolyn Frohmader at: wwda@wwda.org.au
8. Draft Disability Standards for Access to Premises and proposed changes to the Building Code of Australia
In early 2004, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released documents for public
comment as part of consultation on the proposed Disability Standards for Access to
Premises (Premises Standard). The package also includes proposed changes to the Building
Code of Australia (BCA), revised Australian Standards, a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS),
Guidelines to the Premises Standard and amendments to the Disability Standards for
Accessible Public Transport.
Comment on the proposals has been invited by the end of April 2004.
Public awareness sessions are being held to provide an opportunity to understand
why these changes are taking place; a broad understanding of what changes are being
proposed; and information on how you can have your say on the proposed changes.
Speakers include representatives from the ABCB, Disability Sector, Property Sector,
Attorney-General's Department and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Public awareness sessions will be held in each capital city. Anyone can attend
these free sessions. However, you must register if you wish to attend. Details of the
Public awareness sessions, including Registration details, are available from the
Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website:
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/index.html
Copies of the relevant consultation documents are also available from the Australian Building
Codes Board (ABCB) website. WWDA will be attending the Public awareness sessions in Hobart and Melbourne.
9. Update on the WWDA Strategic Plan
WWDA's Strategic Plan for 2004-2009 is currently being drafted. This follows WWDA's
National Strategic Planning Forum held in Hobart in late 2003. WWDA's Strategic
Plan will detail specific action areas under the policy priority areas identified
by the WWDA membership, which include:
- violence against women with disabilities, including unlawful sterilisation;
- health, with particular focus on cervical screening; breast screening; and screening for osteoporosis;
- housing and accommodation;
- disability support;
- employment and income support;
- information and communication technologies;
- education;
- women with disabilities at risk.
It is anticipated the WWDA Strategic Plan will be available in the coming weeks.
10. WWDA Newsletter
Due to the limited resources of WWDA, and the spiralling operational costs (such as Insurance!),
WWDA is having to re-think how it produces the WWDA Newsletter. It is becoming increasingly clear that
the costs of printing and mailing out the Newsletter to an ever growing membership, is no longer
possible within our small budget. However, the WWDA Newsletter is very popular and important to
our members, so we are currently working on producing an 'in-house' version of WWDA News. It
is anticipated that the next issue of the WWDA Newsletter will be available in April 2004.
11. Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) has been registered as a
Company with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). A Board of
Directors has been established. The initial Board is made up of representatives from
the eight current FACS funded peak disability organisations, plus a representative
from the Indigenous Disability Network. WWDA's representative on the Federation Board
is Samantha Jenkinson from Victoria, who is also WWDA's President. The Board of the
AFDO will hold its inaugural meeting in Canberra on 27-28 January 2004.
12. New on the WWDA Website
Recent additions to the WWDA website include:
WWDA Submission to the Federal Government's 'Resolving Deadlocks' Discussion Paper
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/deadlock.htm
WWDA Submission to the National Evaluation of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) IV 2003/2004.
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/saap1.htm
WWDA Submission to the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services on its Draft
Strategic Framework For Disability Services 2003 - 2008.
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/tasdis1.htm
WWDA Update Report October 2003.
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/bulloct03.htm
WWDA Update Report November 2003.
Go to: http://www.wwda.org.au/bullnov03.htm
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This site was developed by Carolyn Frohmader for Women With Disabilities
Australia.