14 November 2014

An Open Letter To:

The Hon Dr Denis Napthine MP Premier of VictoriaThe Hon Peter Ryan MP - Deputy Premier and Leader of the National PartyThe Hon Dan Andrews MP - Leader of the Opposition The Hon Mary Wooldridge MP - Minister for Disability Services and ReformThe Hon Jenny Mikakos MP - Shadow Minister - Community ServicesMr Greg Barber MP - Leader of the GreensMs Colleen Hartland MP Greens Spokesperson for Health, Community and Local GovernmentMs Deborah Glass - Victorian Ombudsman Ms Colleen Pearce - Public Advocate Mr Laurie Harkin - Disability Services CommissionerMs Gill Callister - Secretary, Department of Human Services

Abuse, neglect, exploitation and deaths - Who will protect people with disabilities in residential care? -

We ask: Will you call for, facilitate or initiate an inquiry into the abuse, neglect, exploitation and deaths of people with disabilities in supported accommodation?

Approximately 5,000 people with disabilities live in disability supported accommodation in Victoria. These facilities are operated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) as well as publicly funded disability agencies.

The 2014 Annual Report of the Committee Visitors, who operate under the guidance of the Public Advocate, expressed real concerns that abuse and neglect of people with disabilities, including neglect of health care, is systemic in group homes.

In the same report the Public Advocate, Ms Colleen Pearce, stated that Community Visitors have continued their focus on abuse and violence because the protection of those they visit is central to their role. Unfortunately, the pattern indentified over recent years continues with the number of these incidents reported increasing. I am aware that what Community Visitors see is only the tip of the iceberg.

In 2010-11 there were 272 deaths of people with disabilities who were living in supported accommodation that is in excess of five per week. In late 2011 a change in the categorisation of deaths led to a situation where not all deaths that occurred in supported accommodation are publicly disclosed. Hence, since 2011 the number of published death figures has declined significantly, with 84 being publicly reported in 2013-14. The significance of the drop from 272 to 84 is not that the number of deaths has reduced. The significance is that the full number is not being disclosed. Death in residential care is being hidden from public scrutiny.

Three requests were made to Minister Woodridge and one to the Secretary of DHS to release the full number of deaths that have occurred in supported accommodation since 2011. The requests were refused.

We have asked the Government, the Shadow Minister responsible for disability, and the Ombudsman whether each would support an inquiry into the abuse, neglect, exploitation and deaths of people with disabilities in supported accommodation. To date no one has shown any real interest or given any commitment.

Perhaps if people with disabilities were horses greater interest would be shown. As a result of the deaths of two horses in the recent Melbourne Cup, those concerned about animal welfare highlighted that 2.9 horses die in racing each week, and called for an inquiry.

Despite the deaths occurring in disability-supported accommodation this is not newsworthy enough to make the front page.

We therefore ask: Who will stand up for people with disabilities living in supported accommodation? Who in Victoria with the power to initiate or influence an inquiry into the abuse, neglect, exploitation and deaths of people with disabilities in supported accommodation is prepared to take the lead? Why have the two major political parties ignored the call for an inquiry? What is the point of watchdogs and publicly funded advocacy organisations if all they do is talk the talk?

The standout question for each of YOU the recipient of this open letter - is:

Will you call for, facilitate or initiate an inquiry into the abuse, neglect, exploitation and deaths of people with disabilities in supported accommodation?

Max Jackson & Margaret Ryan

JacksonRyan Partners

1/98 Wells St,Southbank Vic 3006Phone: (03) 9077 4152

Max mobile: 0413 040 654 Margaret mobile: 0412 409 610Copy: Newsprint James Campbell - State Politics Editor, The Herald Sun Josh Gordon - State Political Editor, The Age Dennis Shanahan - Political Editor, The Australian Political Editor - The Saturday Paper Gay Alcorn - Victorian Editor, The Guardian Australia

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