Rights protection, justice and legislation

Making Inclusion Happen > Rights protection, justice and legislation

Key initiatives include:

The ACT Government has launched its Disability Justice Strategy to address the disadvantage experienced by people with disability in having equal access to, and treatment before the law.

Supported Decision Making

In their joint project, Advocacy for Inclusion and ADACAS offer training to develop your skills in supporting people who need support to make decisions.

Socio-Legal Practice (SLP) Clinic

The SLP Clinic at Canberra Community Law provides legal advice and intensive social work for people over 18 who have a high degree of vulnerability and have housing, Centrelink or disability discrimination issues.

Advocacy, information and peer support

There are a range of organisations providing advocacy, information and peer support to people with disabilities in Canberra, including: Advocacy for Inclusion, ADACAS, People With Disabilities ACT (PWDACT), Women With Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) and Imagine More.

ACT Discimination and Disability Services Commissioner

The Discrimination Commissioner handles complaints about disability discimination. The Disability and Community Services Commissioner considers complaints about the provision of services for people with disability and/or their carers.

Official Visitors Scheme (OVS)

The aim of the Official Visitor for Disability Services is to improve service quality and create better outcomes for people with disability and their families.

Public Advocate

The role of the Public Advocate is to protect and promote the rights and interests of anyone in the ACT who is experiencing vulnerability.

Public Trustee and Guardian

The guardianship function of the former Public Advocate of the ACT joined the Public Trustee for the ACT in forming a new agency, the Public Trustee and Guardian, to provide a more efficient, conjoined service to the community for persons accessing financial management and guardianship services.

Senior Practitioner - reducing restrictive practices

The Senior Practitioner Act 2018 provides a formal framework for the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices in the ACT.

How do I make a complaint?

You have the right to raise an issue or make a complaint about the quality of disability supports provided, services you receive, or equipment or other products that you purchase.

Easy English workshops

Developing skills in producing Easy English or Plain English information will ensure you can make your resources accessible to all Canberrans.

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was established on 4 April 2019 by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards (CMIAs)

The CMIAs provide acknowledgement of the outstanding achievements of businesses, organisations and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in inclusion and access - including in championing rights, justice and equality.

The Future is Inclusive podcast

The Future Is Inclusive is a new, locally produced ten-part podcast that explores the experiences of people with disability, their families and allies, including in episode 8: "Everyone should have access to justice"

Interesting resources - from the ACT and elsewhere:

Disability Discrimination Factsheets are available on the Canberra Community Law website

If you have been the victim of a crime, read about your rights and getting help after a crime and other available supports at the Victim Support ACT website

Zero Tolerance resources on the National Disability Services website. These resources and e-learning programs assist disability service providers to understand, implement and improve practices which safeguard the rights of people they support.