Dimka
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.
Dimka had polio when he was young and has a physical disability. Ten years ago he moved to Australia with his wife.
Immediately after he arrived he contacted several disability employment services – he was in his 30s and had worked in the computer industry.
Dimka told the Royal Commission he discovered these services could only help him find employment if he was an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
While he waited for permanent residency, Dimka earned money buying and fixing old computers and selling them on eBay and other internet trading sites. He said he did this so he wouldn’t ‘feel useless’.
Five years after arriving he became a permanent resident. He started getting some NDIS support and was able to access disability employment services.
‘I was very happy that finally I will get a job.’
In the last four years he has tried four disability employment services providers.
‘I am still unemployed. These disability employment companies don’t do anything .They call you for appointment and send you back in five minutes saying we haven’t found any suitable job.’
Dimka said he struggles and feels ‘helpless and demotivated’. His wife supports him financially and emotionally. They can’t afford a house and have made a decision not to have children.
‘I am not looking for any high-profile job but a very basic one to fulfil our basic needs.’
Dimka has applied for a JobSeeker payment but he isn’t eligible because his wife earns above the income threshold.
‘I think that should not be the case. She has no choice to work hard alone.’
Dimka recently applied for the Disability Support Pension but he doesn’t hold out much hope. ‘I hear is very hard to get.’
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.