We want to hear from our members

Committed to addressing and championing the needs and concerns of its members, PDA wants to hear about issues that are impacting you now, in 2025.

We recently sent emails out to our members, asking for involvement in a short survey.

Feedback from this will help to provide guided direction in our discussions with government and help steer our focus on areas that matter to our community.

Please be assured that we respect your privacy and all responses collected will be held securely and will remain anonymous.

If you did not receive an email, and wish to take part in this survey, please email natasha.nobay@pda.org.au. An access link will then be forwarded on to you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to be involved in this survey and for helping PDA to best represent our members.

It is always wonderful to see people recognised and celebrated for their contributions and dedication to our country’s disability sector.

A big shoutout from Physical Disability Australia to the following recipients of the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List:

  • * Professor Christine Bigby – Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
  • * Samantha Connor – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • * Carmel Crouch – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • * Matthew Formston – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • * Penelope Gerstle – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • * Adam Johnston – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • * Joan McKenna Kerr – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • * Professor Julian Trollor – Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
  • * Jed Norman Altschwager – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • * Jesse Bage Aungles – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • * Nikki Ayers – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • * Lisa Cox – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • * Maureen Davey – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • * Peter Granleese – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • * Lauren Parker – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
  • * Martin Wren – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

To read more about these deserving recipients, head across to Ability News’ article – https://www.abilitynews.org/p/the-disability-community-recognised-e0dd9f7c0c651a1b

Physical Disability Australia – PDA is looking to fill 3 positions on its Board:

  • * WA Associate Director
  • * NT Director
  • * NT Associate Director

These roles provide a great opportunity to become part of a hardworking, fun team that works for the benefit of all Australians living with physical disability.

So what’s involved?

We are looking for someone with lived experience of physical disability who:

  • * is interested in improving the inclusion and participation of people with a physical disability in all aspects of life
  • * will actively participate in the systemic advocacy work undertaken by PDA
  • * will encourage and promote PDA membership and involvement to people with physical disability in your state/Territory
  • * will assist in spreading the word by sharing PDA posts on social media pages and encouraging other members to do the same
  • * will work with your State/Territory Board Members to identify local issues for PDA to act on
  • * will attend PDA Board of Directors’ meetings by Zoom video-conference once every 2 months and in person if and when required.

If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of or you’d like to hear more, please email jeremy.muir@pda.org.au.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Without fear or favour

Written by Tammy Milne – PDA TAS Director

You know that thing when you hire a cleaner and then go around making sure that the house is tidy enough for the cleaner because you are embarrassed and you don’t want them to think you are hopeless?

You know that feeling of dread you get when you have to “ask your cleaner to do something?”

It’s like you are asking a huge favour and they are not obligated at all to comply. I mean seriously, are they are doing you a favour coming into your home for money to wash your clothes and clean your bathroom?

Okay, let us take out “cleaner” and insert “support worker.” 

Why is it that so many disabled people (including my self) feel nervous and scared of rejection if we ask support workers to simply do their job?

I often hear myself asking “can you do me a favour?” if I am asking them to check the mailbox, get the bins in or make me a cup of tea. It feels like I’m imposing. Does this happen to anyone else or is this an internalised ableism?

I don’t think so. When we talk about the relationship between support worker and disabled person there is the warm and fuzzy – the helping and gratification model of support work, where the person is a hero for preforming the work, rather than a dedicated professional engaging in their work.

In contracts or “service agreements” there are “how we will treat you” and “how you will treat us” clauses that speak of mutual respect and kindness.  So why does it feel like I will hurt a support worker’s feelings if I cancel a shift or choose someone else to do a shift instead of them? Is it the worry that they won’t come again and I will lose their services?

In looking at the “how we treat you”, there is a gaping hole of detail that does not acknowledge the power imbalance, the trauma that a disabled person carries with them, and the unique and personal experience of discrimination, subjugation and ‘othering’ that the person with disability has been a victim of all their lives.

We should be skilling our support teams with trauma informed practice. They should least have a basic understanding of how their presence is in fact that of power over us. 

How many times have I heard “that client was mean” from support workers? Seriously, that person has a complex and difficult life and your feelings are hurt?

We are doing a disservice to professional and skilled support workers by allowing our leadership to allow the rogue element of workers, motivated by money, rather than professionals to populate the workforce – but how do we make a standard that protects everyone?

Scenarios that make us fearful include support workers not turning up for a shift or ringing at the last minute to say they are unwell.

Similarly, gaslighting where a support worker says that they don’t feel well and so, to make it easier on them, you scale back their work for the day and change your plans, so that you do not go out.

Also, If we change their agreed hours from say 8 hours to 5 hours and this results in their sudden inability to work for you anymore. They reason that they just cannot make ends meet with a reduction of hours.  I mean with no overheads other than insurance and a base rate of $67 they are not that bad off.

These are real situations. 

So how does policy and quality and safeguards protect the person with disability?

Feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, advice and understanding?

In light of the terrible flooding in NSW, and ongoing issues around cost of living, accessing services and housing availability, caring for our mental health is ever important and we want to remind everyone that help and understanding is available for anyone in need of an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on or a heart to care.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, please reach out to family, friends or a support organisation.

Keep in touch with your loved ones and be aware of those around you.

Take care of yourself and others.

You are not alone!

If you have been impacted by the NSW floods and need immediate (life-threatening) assistance, call 000 immediately and identify yourself as a person living with a disability.

For non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency help during severe weather, contact the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

The Australian Government also provides a helpful factsheet for those impacted by floods – https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/11/health-supports-for-flood-affected-australians.docx

Download the Hazards Near Me App (https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app) for the latest warnings and information.

Residents can visit a Recovery Centre (https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/flood-recovery-updates#Recovery-centres-to-open-from-Tuesday-27-May) for practical recovery advice and support.

Learn more on flood safety and clean up advice (https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/recovery).

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
headspace on 1800 650 890

NSW FLOOD ALERT

The severe weather system that brought record flooding across northern NSW is moving south and causing considerable damage on the NSW Central Coast, extending to parts of the South Coast.

For people living with a disability, this can be a particularly difficult and dangerous time and we encourage you to reach out for support if you are concerned about your safety.

  • * If the situation is life threatening, call 000 immediately and identify yourself as a person living with a disability.
  • * For non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency help during severe weather, contact the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.
  • * The Australian Government also provides a factsheet containing information and links to a range of resources which is attached.

Remember help is available and to make contact early, don’t wait until your circumstances are dire.

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/11/health-supports-for-flood-affected-australians.docx

Together let’s make communications more accessible, affordable and inclusive

Australian Communications Consumer Action Network  – ACCAN is currently gathering insights and case studies to support their policy and advocacy work.

They want to make sure the communications experiences of people with disability are reflected in the issues they raise with government and industry.

Your help, through sharing feedback based on your experience and knowledge (even brief or de-identified), would be incredibly helpful. 

ACCAN is particularly interested in:

  • * Access to NRS Video Relay Services (VRS) and whether they’re working well in practice.
  • * Barriers to emergency services, especially for people who can’t use voice-based 000 calls. Potential role of Text to 000.
  • * Ongoing affordability issues.
  • * Experiences with fixed broadband, fixed wireless or LEO satellite services, particularly if cost, digital ability, or accessibility are factors.
  • * How financial hardship support from telcos is playing out for consumers.
  • * Any concerns around sales practices and whether people are getting the right kind of support and information.

If you are able to help work with ACCAN to shape their focus and work and moving forwards, please contact 

Dr Amelia Radke (she/her)

Senior Policy Adviser

Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)

PO Box A1158 Sydney South, NSW 1235

P: 02 9288 4000

E:  amelia.radke@accan.org.au

Want to get involved in PDA’s events and projects?

One thing that we’re very proud of here at PDA is our great community of members, supporters and partnerships.

We love it when people get involved in our events and activities, and help to grow our organisation by sharing what we’re doing and encouraging others to join as members.

With this being National Volunteers’ Week, we thought we’d take advantage of this very special week to invite you to join us and make PDA the best it can be.

You can do this by:

  • * signing up for our free membership (if you’re not already a member) – available for Australians living with disability, their families/friends/carers, support providers or anyone with a positive interest in our country’s disability landscape,
  • * coming along to one of our fun monthly Social Hours (held via Zoom) – to register go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc–qqjkjG903J2KoieI9ASVSig7b4mxr ,
  • * consider joining our Physical Disability Awareness Day Committee as we prepare for PDAD26 to be held on Sunday 1st February – please email promotion@pda.org.au if you’re interested or just want to hear more,
  • * let us know if you have any suggestions for us or have a skill or interest that you believe would be put to good use here at PDA, or
  • * you just want to say “hi”.

However you want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

Have your say on supported and open employment

The Department of Social Services wants to hear your views on the way forward for supported and open employment – particularly in regards to:

  • * options for increasing inclusive employment,
  • * raising subminimum wages, and
  • * ending segregated employment.

This consultation is part of the DSS’ ongoing commitment to improve employment outcomes for people with disability.

Findings from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability Final Report in relation to employment for people with disability, will be considered alongside this consultation.

Consultation closes on 22 June 2025 at 5pm AEST.

To be involved, please read the discussion paper (https://engage.dss.gov.au/next-steps-in-supported-employment-consultation-on-the-way-forward/supported-employment-discussion-paper/)

and then visit

www.engage.dss.gov.au/next-steps-in-supported-employment-consultation-on-the-way-forward/supported-employment-make-a-submission/

where you can make a submission responding to the questions and topics.

You can also provide a submission by emailing SEPolicy@dss.gov.au.

For more information, please go to:

www.engage.dss.gov.au/next-steps-in-supported-employment-consultation-on-the-way-forward/