Rupert and Mirabel
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.
Rupert is in his 20s. He is autistic and has epilepsy and a severe intellectual disability. Mirabel is his mum.
‘He knows every name of every AFL player that you can think of,’ Mirabel told the Royal Commission. ‘He recognises people by their numberplates on their cars. He has a photographic memory for numberplates.’
Rupert also loves working in supported employment.
‘The guy that is in charge of his area said that the place would have to be burned down before [Rupert] misses work once … He loves it, he likes to do a job, likes being helpful.’
When Mirabel and Rupert’s father separated about 10 years ago, Rupert lived with Mirabel.
‘[Rupert’s] father was still accepting the carer’s payment. Even though I was caring for him, so I had to go to Centrelink and report that.’
Rupert’s father was charged with fraud.
‘I applied for a guardianship,’ Mirabel said, ‘because I could make a, you know, list of things that I … do for Rupert. And that was rejected. I think his father just says no because both parents have to apply, have to agree for any change.’
The public trustee and public guardian now control Rupert’s affairs and he lives in supported accommodation.
Mirabel says the public trustee isn’t properly administering Rupert’s finances.
‘So, I’ve got things here that really worry me. Okay?’
For example, the local pharmacy threatened to stop supplying Rupert with his medication because the trustee wasn’t paying Rupert’s bills. The trustee also failed to reimburse Mirabel for Rupert’s medical expenses.
During a COVID-19 lockdown at his group home, the trustee wouldn’t let Rupert pay for a television subscription service.
Mirabel said Rupert recently needed a new pair of shoes because his old shoes were ‘falling to bits’.
‘The response I got was, “Didn’t you buy a pair of shoes six months ago?” and I explained that he wears one pair of shoes. He wears them to basketball, walking, work, the whole thing.’
Although Rupert receives the Disability Support Pension, has more than $10,000 in the bank and a larger amount invested, the trustee said no to the shoes.
‘I just, I fought and fought and fought for that, and the [public] advocate wouldn’t help, so I just had to go out and find shoes.’
Mirabel bought the shoes herself.
‘Both [Rupert] and myself are being treated unfairly. We have been made to feel our needs are trivial … I have the best of intentions for [Rupert’s] wellbeing. [But the] system fails him through financial neglect.’
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.