Maximo
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.
Maximo is in his 60s and has a spinal injury.
‘I can't tell you how it happened, but I can tell you this much. It made me into a vulnerable person,’ Maximo told the Royal Commission. ‘That's what I say about every person that has a disability. They are vulnerable.’
After his injury, Maximo’s partner became his paid carer.
‘She did nothing but leave me without any money every week. She left me in bed, you know, every day … she didn't give a stuff about me at all.’
Maximo now lives alone in government housing. He said the housing department staff treat him like a ‘lesser human’.
‘They've known that I've been disabled … They don't care.’
Maximo said he struggles to access his kitchen.
‘I've got a dishwasher and it sits in the laundry, right? ... And I've got to walk all the way into the kitchen to bring the plates that have been done. Sometimes I drop everything.’
Maximo recently began receiving NDIS support. He’s shocked by how much service providers charge.
‘An OT [occupational therapist] came over, she only came over for two hours. Her whole bill has now gone up to $1,780, I think it is, for two hours work … Let's see if I can actually open up a bill,’ Maximo said during his teleconference call with the Royal Commission.
‘“Therapy report writing – $630.47” … This makes me laugh. “Phone call – $13.35 … Phone call to [Maximo] – $28.37.” Come on! “Support coordination email to call physio” – still haven't seen no physio – “$13.35.”’
‘NDIS is really good for all these providers. Jeez, I wish I was getting that type of money.’
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.