2023-10-28
Focussing on the Disability Royal Commission and ADHD inquiry, but finding time for Voice and local government campaigning, advocacy for renters and honing culinary skills
By Senator Jordon Steele-John
Wow – what an intense few months! Writing these reports always leaves me reflecting on just how much we pack into our weeks, and just how proud I am of the many wins we Greens collectively achieve for our community.
Conclusion of the DRC
After four years of investigation and many more of community pressure to make it happen, the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) finally handed down its official report in September – a huge moment for the disability community in Australia.
The report contains 220 recommendations that are mostly positive in terms of substance but disappointingly too generous with implementation timeframes. It’s a huge win that the report recommends phasing out segregated education, group homes and disability enterprises, because we know that most of the experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation reported to the DRC occurred in these segregated settings. For that very reason, they must be phased out as a matter of urgency.
Reflecting on the past four years, I’m filled with the deepest gratitude for everyone who put in the hard work to make this Royal Commission a reality. I’m also filled with the deepest respect for every single person who shared their experience, expertise and stories in service of the community; and I acknowledge the many who were not in a position to be able to participate.
It’s now over to the government to commit to resourcing the implementation of the recommendations – not to leave them to gather dust on a shelf. Because while the DRC is finished, the work is not. The only acceptable response to the profound injustices uncovered by the Royal Commission is action.
On the note of action, alongside my colleague Senator Nick McKim, in the first week of parliament following the Royal Commission we pushed the government to launch a review of our abelist immigration system; which was one of the Commissioner's recommendations.
ADHD Hearing in Melbourne + Report Delay
In September I travelled to Melbourne for the third and final public hearing of the ADHD inquiry. Like the previous two hearings, it underscored the significant challenges ADHDers in Australia face as a result of the unaddressed and unnecessary barriers to accessing care.
It was also a humbling reminder of how privileged I am to be trusted with the stories of people with lived experience, which this time around included comedian Em Rusciano and Guardian reporter Matilda Boseley.
The Melbourne public hearing was due to quickly give rise to the inquiry’s final report, which was scheduled for release on October 18. Unfortunately, although the Greens and I advocated hard for this to happen, the Community Affairs committee made the decision to delay the report’s release for three weeks until November 6, which is the first day of the next Senate sitting.
It’s disappointing, particularly for the ADHD community that has worked so hard alongside the Greens to make this inquiry happen, but I look forward to seeing the final report tabled in Parliament next month.
Voice Referendum Campaigning
As the first step toward fully implementing the Uluru Statement of the Heart, truth-telling and achieving Treaty, the October referendum for a Voice to Parliament was a historic opportunity for this country.
Like many of you, I was very proud to work alongside party and community members alike to support the Yes23 campaign. I would particularly like to acknowledge the work of Senator Dorinda Cox, and her team, in their efforts to take the Yes Campaign all across Western Australia.
Like many of you, I was heartbroken by the result.
The pain and sense of loss from the ‘no’ outcome is not to be understated, particularly for First Nations people in our community. There is so much healing to be done, as well as a collective introspection about who we are as a country.
The pathway to First Nations justice does not end with the referendum. There is so much strength in this movement, and it is incumbent on all of us to use the momentum of this moment to recalibrate and recommit. The Greens will always support the fight for justice, self-determination and sovereignty.
Local Government Elections
October also marked local government elections in WA, and I really enjoyed getting on the campaign trail to support our two excellent Greens candidates!
Sophie Greer (she/her) and Isabella Tripp (she/they) worked tirelessly on their campaigns for the City of Vincent and City of Perth respectively, and I’m so proud of what these powerful young people have achieved.
Isabella took on Basil Zempilas and the business establishment with a people powered focused on compassion amd community. Sophie made history, and became our first ever Greens Local Council Candidate!
Kitchen Cabinet
October was also the month of my culinary debut on television when I appeared in an episode of the new season of ABC’s Kitchen Cabinet! It was such a joy to welcome host Annabel Crabb into my home while I cooked us dinner: what is now my signature mushroom pie. We had excellent conversations about a whole range of topics, including the work my office is leading, and I’m really grateful to have been able to share the experience with viewers. You can watch it back on iView.
Housing Wrap
After months of negotiations, in September the Greens supported the Albanese Government’s housing bill in the Senate after we managed to secure a further $1 billion for public and community housing.
It’s a significant win against a backdrop of a growing crisis, but unfortunately, the government refused to give a single damn about renters. Despite rent prices exploding to historic and unsustainable highs, and a market that allows landlords to hike up prices ad infinitum, Labor refused to budge on rent caps or freezes.
I’m proud that the Greens are continuing to put pressure on Labor to actually commit to taking meaningful action on the rental crisis, and I’d like to thank every single person who volunteered their time to campaign on housing and help achieve our wins for the community.
Thank you to our Office Bearers
I’d like to end this month's contribution with an acknowledgement of all who hold leadership positions in our movement. Our movement is only as strong as the people who collectively work together to take us from strength to strength. Following The Greens (WA) 2023 AGM I’d like to thank our outgoing Office Holders, with particular thanks to outgoing Convenor, Gareth Doogue, for their volunteer efforts in leadership roles over many years. Thank you, Gareth.
All the best for the coming months.
In solidarity,
Jordon.
Header photo: Participating in a Greens Local Government Campaign Doorknock