Chase
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘The most vulnerable in society have been overlooked, leaving us feeling clearly we are sub citizens, and clearly don’t matter... and thinking is this really Australia?’
Chase is on the Disability Support Pension. He told the Royal Commission he is ‘outraged’ by the government’s policy in regards to people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic – ‘not only lack of inclusion in the stimulus package, but lack of any response to us specifically’. He believes it shows a ‘lack of concern’ regarding people receiving the Disability Support Pension and carers payments.
‘We had to watch as the gov announced all these billions of dollars packages … we will become in even more debt than others whilst they are carried through... Why are we treated differently?’
Chase says that costs have risen dramatically since the pandemic started, and there is the added cost of extra protective measures, so ‘any budget set in place before now is impossible’.
‘The government needs to include us in the stimulus so we not only are financially helped through this crisis, but mentally as well, as I am hearing so many people say how they feel so low that we are treated like scum.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.