The Senate has supported a motion calling on the Government to reconsider its decision and commit to a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability in institutional and residential settings. 

“The abuse of people with disability in settings where they should feel safe and at home is prevalent and systemic, and the Government has no interest in truly addressing it”, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disabilities SenatorJordon Steele-John said today. 

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Almost one in two Australians living with a disability are unemployed compared to the national average of 5.4 per cent, a national disgrace according to Australian Greens Disability spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John.

“It is abundantly clear from Senator Fifield’s lacklustre response in question time today that the Turnbull Government has no plans to seriously address high rates of unemployment amongst the disability community,” Senator Steele-John said.

Monday, 27 November 201

Australian Greens Disability services spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said a decision by the NSW government to withdraw funding for disability advocacy groups, leaving responsibility with the NDIS, would rob many in the community of their voice.

“The Greens support a fully funded NDIS, but it cannot come from our most vulnerable through cuts to the social safety net and the social security portfolio”, Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

“This is robbing Peter to pay Paul and I’m sure people with disability and their carers would be uncomfortable that the scheme came off the back of people who are struggling.

“I urge the Government to turn to revenue raising measures that have repeatedly been flagged by the Greens and others, such as addressing negative gearing and capital gains tax”.

“Senator Brandis: step out of your ivory tower, and attempt to call Centrelink. Be prepared for a wake-up call”,  Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

“This is the struggle being experienced by constituents that you are meant to represent.

“I have personally witnessed my constituents wait for hours trying to get through to Centrelink. People dealing with Centrelink are exasperated and stressed.

“Hundreds of people have emailed and called my office to detail their experiences. I can assure you that the system is almost impossible to navigate.

“The news that Attorney General Brandis will hurriedly push through changes to the Native Title Act smacks of knee jerk reaction to a significant situation because they want to protect the Adani coal mine project”, Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

“This could have profound implications for native title and native title holders that will need careful consideration and consultation.  People need the opportunity to look at the native title legislation very carefully.

“Treasurer Morrison, stop robbing Peter to pay Paul. We should not be hacking billions from the social safety net to pay for the NDIS and you know it.

“The Treasurer is trying to pressure the Senate to support their cuts - this is a cheap trick".

“People with disability would no doubt be outraged that a young person had to wait five weeks in poverty to pay for the NDIS. 

The Greens have called for the details of a secret deal signed between the WA and Federal Governments on the National Disability Insurance Scheme to be released, saying it was rushed through before the looming State election and people with disability had not been consulted.

Greens spokesperson on disabilities Senator Rachel Siewert said she was deeply concerned that the deal was rushed through on the day WA goes into caretaker mode before the election.

“I’m really concerned it’s been rushed before we see the outcome of the process,” she said.