Jad
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.
In the late 2000s, Jad had a car accident and sustained a brain injury. He was paralysed on one side of his body and spent many years teaching himself to walk again. He told the Royal Commission he continues to have memory issues as a result of the accident.
A few years ago, Jad wanted to work again and participated in a return-to-work program through Centrelink and a disability employment service. Jad worked one day a week at an equipment hire and grass cutting business. The company was happy with his work and, when the program ended, employed him directly.
Soon after, Jad’s boss started verbally abusing him calling him a ‘disabled idiot’ and other derogatory names. Despite working more shifts, Jad discovered he wasn’t being paid. The boss told him there were some ‘cash flow issues’ and he would be paid soon.
After about six months Jad became so frustrated he ‘lost it’ and told his boss to ‘stick his job’. The boss tried to physically restrain him and Jad pushed him away. Jad said his boss threatened to kill him.
After many texts Jad received his final pay, however the boss withheld monies saying Jad didn’t provide adequate notice.
Jad was furious because he was a casual worker and not required to provide notice. Jad rang his boss and told him what he thought of him. The boss rang Jad several times over the next few days screaming at him.
‘I sent him a text saying, “I’m going to take you to Fair Work” and then the next thing I know he sent me a text saying, “Don't threaten me and my family,” and I'm like, you know, “What are you talking about? You're making stuff up now.”’
The boss contacted the police telling them Jad threatened to kill him. Five police officers in ‘full riot gear’ burst through Jad’s door, took him to the police station and detained him for four hours. Despite being aware of his brain injury, they refused to allow him access to a support person. When police asked if he’d threatened to kill his boss he said he couldn’t remember. Jad believes police took this to mean he did make the threats but didn’t remember.
Police subsequently charged Jad and he went to court. ‘[The judge] told me that he found me guilty because of the fact I had a disability, which I was stunned at. I mean part of my condition is I get sort of annoyed, my brain takes over, I can't stop it.’
Jad decided to appeal to the Supreme Court. The matter was ‘thrown out’ but Jad was ordered to pay costs.
‘I was abused through my working with him, and then tried to ask for help from the police and they basically abused me as well.’
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.