Alex
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.
‘Change the goal of the DSP from forcing disabled people to work to survive, to actually letting us exist. Cut it out with the punishments, the “mutual obligations” bullshit, the tightening criteria noose.’
Alex has autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and genetic issues. ‘My mental and physical functions are deeply diminished, both in ability and how much energy I have to use those abilities,’ he said.
Alex told the Royal Commission they would like to be left to get on with their life. ‘I don't need a maid, a “care plan”, or a monthly review to see if I'm still autistic.’
Alex believes there needs to be a complete review of the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and how it is administered. They say the biggest obstacle to improving their wellbeing is government policy.
The DSP does not allow Alex to meet their basic needs without working, and often they can’t work, Alex said. And all the training courses don’t help.
‘There's no coping strategy or financial literacy class that turns $5 into $10, no amount of elbow grease and “putting my head down” that will remove my lifelong conditions … When a condition is permanent it means permanent. It doesn’t mean check every fortnight to see if it’s magically wandered away.’
It also doesn’t go away if you ‘marry someone successful’, Alex said. Their partner’s success means their DSP is cut back. ‘I become entirely reliant on my partner’s income.’
Alex told the Royal Commission this creates a ‘breeding ground for abuse’. Their partner ‘feels stressed, agitated and over time resentful because they have to support this person that's not bringing any money in’.
Alex described the impact of needing to ask their partner for money. ‘Self‐esteem plummets − how do you be kind to yourself, convince yourself that you're not dead weight when every financial move reminds you that you are?’
Alex would like the DSP to be permanent and ‘all the arbitrary and disingenuous obstacles … added year after year’ removed. They would also like to see the amount ‘mirror a liveable income’.
Alex believes the only way things will change is ‘if the government acknowledges … that poverty is not caused by a fault of character’.
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.