People with disabilities and their loved ones are advised that the following media release will cover the confronting topic of deaths of people with disability in our community.
We also ask that any public discussion centres the dignity of people with disability and handles the subject matter with sensitivity.
ACT Greens Disability Spokesperson Laura Nuttall MLA this week secured a commitment to a disability death review scheme, after the Assembly unanimously agreed to her motion.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the disability community, but the implementation of this crucial recommendation will be one small step in the right direction,” said Miss Nuttall.
“We know from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability that this community faces disproportionate rates of both premature and avoidable deaths.
“Now, in line with a recommendation from the Royal Commission to all state and territory governments, the ACT will begin developing a review scheme to help understand how and why these deaths occur in our current systems. This is crucial as it will make sure we know what needs to be changed to make sure the avoidable deaths don’t happen again.
The motion passed unanimously after amendments and requires that the Government determine the exact model for a Disability Death Review Scheme and begin implementing it by January 2028.
“Canberrans should be incredibly proud that this motion was ultimately agreed to unanimously as some things simply have to be above partisan politics.
“We know that this is only one small step in the right direction as the disability community is still dealing with huge NDIS cuts and foundational supports simply aren’t ready. The ACT Greens will proudly keep campaigning with the disability community on these incredibly important issues, for as long as it takes to ensure adequate funding and supports are in place,” said Miss Nuttall.
