Allegations of abuse and neglect in supported accommodation services operated by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care has been confirmed by The NSW Minister for Disability Services, Ms Kristina Keneally MP.

According to Graeme Innes AM Human Rights Commissioner and Commissioner Responsible for Disability Discrimination stated that almost 100 allegations of abuse or neglect were made against disability service employees.

The number of disabled people being abused by NSW government carers is relatively low,‘ Ms Keneally said. ‘ Lets put that in context of 2600 clients who reside in our accommodation services.‘

‘ The Minister for Disability Services appears to be saying that we should expect a certain level of abuse (one in twenty-six according to the figures quoted), and that comparatively speaking, we are doing OK, is truly appalling,‘ Graeme Innes said

Opposition disability spokesman Andrew Constance said,‘ The Governments obviously got a significant problem in relation to the way in which staff are being monitored and also staff training is occurring.‘

The advocacy agency PWD Australia said ‘We are appalled at any incidence of abuse and neglect, and this issue needs to be made public so that steps can be taken to prevent future harms and create safe environments for people with disability,’ said Therese Sands, Co-CEO (Acting) of PWD.

Source: People with Disability Australia (PWD) Press release  Response to abuse and neglect in DADHC group homes.

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Homepage - The UN Convention, the rights of people with disabilities and domestic violence

Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) Disability Newsletter  -   Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association November 2007