Kristian
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.
‘You’re a disabled person living in housing commission, you’re not important.’
Kristian, late 50s, has health issues and uses a wheelchair.
After the rollout of the NDIS, a private disability accommodation provider took over the government contract to provide Kristian’s accommodation.
Kristian transferred money from his account every week to pay the rent.
A couple of years ago the provider withdrew funds from Kristian’s bank account without his knowledge. When he queried this, the manager initially told him it was because he ‘was behind on his rent’. Kristian’s bank statements showed he’d been paying his rent on time. The provider disputed the statements.
Kristian reported the matter to police who told him it was a civil matter and they couldn’t do anything about it. Since then he’s approached dozens of agencies for help and they all ‘brushed [him] off’, telling him to contact someone else. ‘I couldn’t get an explanation from anybody … the people I relied on to help me did nothing.’
Eventually, Kristian refused to pay further rent until the provider explained how they gained access to his account.
The provider threatened to evict him.
Kristian says he no longer trusts anybody and rarely lets anyone into his home. He has resumed paying rent, but remains frustrated.
The provider recently forced him to re-sign his lease under duress and without advocacy support.
Kristian is not optimistic about the future.
‘I’ll live out the few years I have got left, hopefully not being annoyed by anybody.’
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.