Libbie
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.
Aunty Libbie is a First Nations Elder and respected community member.
She has a rare neurological condition and uses a wheelchair.
Recently, the department of housing told Aunty Libbie she had to leave her home of more than 20 years and move to a different community. They want to demolish her house.
‘I smile every day, but I feel like sitting out the back and crying. But that’s not going to help me resolve the issue.’
Aunty Libbie told the Royal Commission that the department doesn’t understand her disability and how devastating it would be for her to leave her home and community.
‘I know my house, everything, and the space and the ramp are just right.’
The community looks out for Aunty Libbie and she feels safe and secure.
‘I know everyone and I love my neighbours,’ she said. ‘Any troubles that I have here, I have my neighbours.’
Most days, Aunty Libbie scoots down to the local shops.
She visits the butcher and greengrocer or sees her doctor or psychologist.
On her way home, she stops at the grocery store.
Staff help her shop and place the groceries in a bag on the back of her wheelchair.
‘When I get home, my neighbour takes it off and puts it on my lap,’ Aunty Libbie said. ‘If they do not, when I move to bed, the chair will flip.’
A local support worker helps her prepare and cook her meals and takes her to nearby therapies.
Aunty Libbie recently inspected the house that the department have offered her, and says it’s dangerous.
‘That house up there is not safe.’
The doors are not wide enough for her wheelchair and the bedroom is too small. The ramp to the front door is too long and the handrails are too wide for her to grip. The power points and light switches are either too high or too low for her to reach.
The department maintains the new house complies with Australian disability standards.
‘They do not understand each disability is different,’ Aunty Libbie said.
‘They say I cannot refuse, or I would lose the offer.’
Aunty Libbie has engaged a legal service to help her convince the department to let her stay where is.
She is prepared to fight.
‘Don’t take any place if it’s not suitable for you,’ Aunty Libby said. ‘Got to speak up and show them it is an accident waiting to happen.’
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.