Theo
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.
‘How many Australians are unfit to work but don’t qualify for the Disability Support Pension? This is me for the past seven years.’
In the mid-2010s Theo contracted a virus which left him paralysed. At the time, he told the Royal Commission, he expected to make a full recovery.
Following several months of rehabilitation Theo returned to work using mobility aids – initially two days a week and then full time.
Theo’s mobility didn’t improve and he continued to rely on mobility aids. After a few years his doctor told him he may never fully recover. Then his wife died and he became the sole carer of his two daughters. His mental health issues, which pre-dated the onset of the virus, escalated. He used drugs and alcohol to cope.
‘I had a good prognosis but worked, living desperately until utter physical and mental failure.’
In 2020 Theo stopped working because of his mental health issues and was diagnosed with hypomania. Theo’s doctor described his physical and psychosocial disabilities as chronic. ‘He is only able to walk 40 metres with the use of one Canadian crutch in the right hand before needing to rest. Functionally this means he is unable to perform tasks like shopping in the supermarket alone.’
Theo applied for a Disability Support Pension (DSP) but was unsuccessful. Centrelink instead approved a JobSeeker Payment. Initially, they accepted Theo’s medical certificates and exempted him from the obligation to seek work.
However, a few months later, Centrelink no longer accepted the medical certificates. ‘Medical evidence shows that your incapacity to work is not temporary,’ they advised, and referred Theo to a disability employment service provider.
Theo said, ‘For two consecutive months … Centrelink forced me to work on a legal medical certificate or lose my payments.’ He said he complied ‘albeit with a poor record, many warnings and payment disconnections’.
Theo applied for the DSP again. His doctor wrote a comprehensive letter supporting his application. She told Centrelink Theo’s prognosis for full recovery was limited. She stated Theo will have long-term physical disability. ‘Clearly [Theo] also has long-term mental health issues, the pressure of working and having to seek work makes him vulnerable to relapse in this regard.’ Theo’s doctor concluded, ‘[Theo] has permanent disability related to his mental health and physical health issues and should be considered a candidate for the disability support pension.’
Centrelink rejected his application for the DSP because they don’t consider his disability is permanent.
Theo is frustrated by Centrelink’s decisions and concerned he is being made to work despite being unfit to work. He said he is ‘a victim of harsh policy’ which is causing him and his family harm. He told the Royal Commission his teenage daughter is suicidal and not attending school.
‘There are many unheard victims like me, a statistic if known is appalling I am certain … a serious social and human rights failure that is tucked away and cannot stay that way.’
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.