The Public Advocate
21 October 2025
Attorney-General’s Department 3-5 National Circuit Barton ACT 2600
Submitted via website
RE: Review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).
As the Public Advocate for Queensland, I undertake systemic advocacy to promote and protect the rights and interests of Queensland adults with impaired decision-making ability.[1] There are several conditions that may affect a person’s decision-making ability, including intellectual disability, acquired brain injury, mental illness, neurological disorders (such as dementia) or alcohol and drug misuse.
I am pleased to see the Australian Government’s progress on the implementation of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).
The Disability Royal Commission gathered insights from over a thousand individuals with lived experience of disability and provided comprehensive, well-founded recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people with disability.
Therefore, I fully support the implementation of the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission concerning the Disability Discrimination Act. For example, embedding a positive avigation on duty holders to eliminate disability discrimination would be helpful in the provision of health services such as at hospitals, requiring steps to be taken to proactively eliminate disability discrimination, and ensuring that proper treatment is provided in a timely manner, potentially saving the lives of many. Such a positive duty would encourage entities in Queensland such as hospital and health services to develop clear policies in relation to the elimination of discrimination and improve the inclusivity of health services to people with disability.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input during this review.
Yours sincerely
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John Chesterman (Dr) Public Advocate
[1] Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld) s 209.
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