Warrah welcomes the recent release of the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) Final Report in late 2023 and we thank the Council and all of the contributors. Delia Gray, CEO of Warrah Society, has meticulously reviewed the 222 recommendations within the Report. While many commendable recommendations receive our full support, there are a few that warrant reconsideration and enhancement.
Delia Gray commented, “Among the recommendations, three stand out and we adamantly oppose them: the proposal to phase out special education schools (Recommendation 7.14) and group homes (Recommendation 7.43 & 7.44). These recommendations are troubling as they contradict the principles of choice and control for individuals with disabilities and their families.”
On January 11, Delia Gray, alongside some Warrah families, engaged in a productive meeting with Laurie Leigh, CEO of The National Disability Service (NDS), and Debbie Jaggers, NSW State Manager, NDS. The aim was to articulate concerns and underscore the invaluable aspects of special education and group homes, particularly within the community setting at Warrah.
Laurie Leigh, in her regular interactions with Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme of Australia (NDIS), is anticipated to provide first-hand insights gained from her visit to Warrah, reinforcing the need for improvements on the contentious recommendations.
Rest assured, Warrah is committed to seizing every opportunity to champion choice and control for people with disabilities and their families. We invite you to join us in expressing your views.
The NSW Government is seeking submissions from the public regarding children and young people with disability in NSW educational settings, with submissions closing on 29 February 2024. You can share your insights through various means, including a questionnaire, an online portal, a letter, or even a voice recording. Refer to the following link for detailed information: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3022#tab-otherdocuments
About the Royal Commission
A royal commission, being the highest form of public inquiry, operates independently of the government and thoroughly examines widely reported problems or issues. The Disability Royal Commission, established on 4 April 2019, concluded its proceedings on 28 September 2023, delivering its Final Report to the Governor-General.
For further information, please refer to:
- The Royal Commission Final Report https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/2023-09/A%20brief%20guide%20to%20the%20Final%20Report.pdf
- Inclusive Education, Employment and Housing Summary and Recommendations https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/2023-09/Final%20Report%20-%20Volume%207%2C%20Inclusive%20education%2C%20employment%20and%20housing%20-%20Summary%20and%20recommendations.pdf
- NSW Parliament Legislative Council Media Release https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lcdocs/other/18860/Media%20Release%20-%20PC3%20-%20Disability%20in%20Education.pdf
- NSW Parliament Committee https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3022#tab-timeline
- Submission Fact Sheet https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/Documents/Factsheet%20-%20Making%20a%20submission.pdf
Submission links:
- Online questionnaire https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=vp9hlIknxEOBgN2_R2mBwDV6H-BL_SlBvg-3GY5mRZNURFc1RklBWlUxWkhUQVhKMlYwVEJFNVBYSi4u
- Online portal https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/lodge-a-submission.aspx?pk=3022
- Write or type a letter, send some photos, send a drawing and email to portfoliocommittee3@parliament.nsw.gov.au or mail to The Secretariat, Portfolio Committee 3, Legislative Council, NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
