Hezekiah
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 became homeless at the age of 50. I am living in social housing. For what? For daring to put the trivial request [for reasonable adjustments].’
Hezekiah started working in a major retail call centre several years ago. He told the Royal Commission that after a career in finance it was an ‘easy job’, with flexible hours. Soon, he was working on a full-time basis.
Hezekiah excelled, received regular bonuses and was ‘the first winner of the customer compliments award’.
Then a few years ago he began having problems with his lungs and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He asked to work fewer hours and to have a rostered day off each week to see his doctor.
Hezekiah said from then on management’s attitude towards him changed. His manager suggested he might want to speak to his union, but Hezekiah couldn’t understand why.
Some months later, Hezekiah received a letter outlining allegations of rudeness to customers and colleagues dating back several months. He was shocked to hear about the allegations. In the years prior to him identifying as having a disability there had never been any complaints or workplace issues.
Hezekiah attended a meeting and almost immediately a manager abruptly accused him of misconduct. He believes the manager attempted to intimidate him so he would react with an angry outburst. ‘I was petrified to say something wrong or to make anything wrong.’
Hezekiah made a complaint to the state antidiscrimination body and over the next year attended eight hearings. He feels there was a power imbalance between the parties – he represented himself whereas the retailer had a team of lawyers. His complaint was ultimately unsuccessful.
Hezekiah was ‘completely smashed’ and he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. He resigned from his job and when he couldn’t pay the rent, lived in emergency housing and went through a period of homelessness.
Since then he’s been able to access the Disability Support Pension and is now seeing a counsellor.
‘I was a complete mess … I am much better now … I am going to rebuild myself brick by brick … I am going to rebuild myself 10 times stronger.’
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.