Alyssa
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.
‘I urge you use your powers to stop this exploitation of our most vulnerable people because as parents, family and friends we are powerless to do anything.’
Alyssa wrote to the Royal Commission as a parent and friend of people with disability to shine a light on the financial exploitation she believes people with disability experience as clients of Centrelink and the NDIS.
‘Before the NDIS it was the norm for all state service provided group homes to take 75-85% of the disability pension as well as the Centrelink rent assistance payment from each person. This was to cover rent, food, carer’s wages and household costs. The little money left had to cover all personal items, medication, etc. This often left people in group homes reliant on charity and family.’
Alyssa was shocked to learn that her daughter’s friends who live in supported group homes are still being charged the pre-NDIS rates.
Alyssa says the amount of money being taken by service providers is ‘staggering’, particularly for people with disability who may spend their entire adult life in supported accommodation.
Alyssa points out that many people with disability ‘are living below the poverty line, unable to socialise outside of the group home nor are they able to buy the basic necessities we take for granted’.
‘Imagine how much their life would be improved if [they] were paying the same as everyone else for their housing and not being exploited by the system. This is financial exploitation and [it] is industry wide.’
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.