Winner, National Human Rights Award 2001Winner, National Violence Prevention Award 1999Winner, Tasmanian Women's Safety Award 2008

Certificate of Merit, Australian Crime & Violence Prevention Awards 2008Nominee, French Republic's Human Rights Prize 2003Nominee, UN Millennium Peace Prize for Women 2000

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Activity Work Plan 2015 - 2016

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Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) - Activity Work Plan 2015-2016

About Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the national cross-disability Disabled Person’s Organisation (DPO) for women and girls with all types of disability in Australia. It operates as a transnational human rights organisation and is run by and for women with disability. WWDA’s work is grounded in a human rights based framework which links gender and disability issues to a full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. WWDA represents more than 2 million disabled women and girls in Australia, has affiliate organisations and networks of women with disability in most States and Territories, and is internationally recognised for its global leadership in advancing the human rights of women and girls with disability. WWDA is a founding member of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA), which is an alliance of national Disabled Person’s Organisations (DPO’s) in Australia. The key purpose of the ACDA is to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia by working collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes and strategic priorities and opportunities. The ACDA is the recognised coordinating point between Government/s and other stakeholders, for consultation and engagement with people with disability in Australia.

ContactCarolyn Frohmader (Executive Director), Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)PO Box 407, Lenah Valley TASMANIA 7018Mobile: +61 438 535 123Email: carolyn@wwda.org.auWeb: www.wwda.org.auFacebook: www.facebook.com/WWDA.Australia Twitter: https://twitter.com/WWDA_AU

Prepared by Carolyn Frohmader for Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

© Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) July 2015

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without written permission from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA). All possible care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in this document. WWDA disclaims any liability for the accuracy and sufficiency of the information and under no circumstances shall be liable in negligence or otherwise in or arising out of the preparation or supply of any of the information aforesaid.

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IntroductionWWDA’s Activity Work Plan for 2015-2016 embeds and reflects the key purpose of our organisation - to promote and advance the human rights of women and girls with disability. The human rights based approach to our work recognises and respects that the international human rights normative framework, including the international human rights treaties and their optional protocols, and the General Comments and recommendations adopted by the bodies monitoring their implementation, provide the framework to illustrate the obligations and responsibilities of governments and other duty-bearers in relation to the human rights of women and girls with disability. It is this framework that WWDA works from and within, to promote and indeed demand, accountability and due diligence from Governments and other duty bearers in relation to recognising and addressing the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms experienced by women and girls with disability.

WWDA is a proud, founding member of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA), which is a new and innovative alliance of national Disabled Person’s Organisations (DPO’s) in Australia. The founding member organisations of the ACDA are: Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA); National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA); First People’s Disability Network Australia (FPDNA) and People with Disability Australia (PWDA). The key purpose of the ACDA is to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia by working collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes and strategic priorities and opportunities. The ACDA model has been funded by the Australian Government to be the recognised coordinating point between Government/s and other stakeholders, for consultation and engagement with people with disability in Australia.

In forming the ACDA, its member organisations recognise and value the strength of working together in a spirit of mutual respect and trust, to proactively pursue human rights outcomes for all people with disability in Australia. The first year of the ACDA will see ACDA focus on formally establishing the new Alliance model, through the development of an Operating model, activity Work Plan, policies, procedures and protocols to ensure its effective operation, along with developing evidence based priority action and issue areas to focus the Alliance’s work into the future. The ACDA Priority Work Plan (which focuses on its establishment phase) is included as an Appendix to WWDA’s overall 2015-2016 Work Plan, and one of WWDA’s priority objectives for the coming year is to: ‘Establish the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) as the national human rights based model of DPO representation to effect its purpose to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia.’ Although in its establishment phase, the ACDA is also working proactively to engage with Government and other stakeholders to advance the human rights of people with disability, through for example: ACDA representation on advisory structures and fora; development of ACDA policy Submissions; and provision of advice and expertise on Government reforms and programs affecting people with disability.

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WWDA’s Work Plan 2015-2016 will see our organisation work to consolidate our role as a leader in the national and international gender equality and disability rights arenas. We will continue to work globally, particularly with the United Nations agencies and processes, enabling and representing the collective interests of women and girls with disability. We will continue, and grow our capacity, to work with emerging groups of women with disability across the globe, particularly those in developing countries. We will also continue to enhance and promote communication and information to our members, potential members and stakeholders, and will seek out opportunities to extend the reach of our organisation throughout Australia and globally. Importantly, 2015-2016 will see significant development of WWDA’s internal and external infrastructure, systems and operations in ways which support the growth and changing needs of WWDA; including for our key role as a member organisation of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance.

WWDA, will, as always, continue our dedicated efforts to develop innovative, responsive initiatives that are centred on the priority issues identified by women with disability. We will stimulate debate, promote research, policy and program development, and advocate for legislative change in the policy priority areas identified by our members – notably: gendered disability violence; sexual and reproductive rights; gender equality and equity; gendering the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and much more. WWDA will continue to build on our key role in the production and dissemination of high quality information, publications and research on issues relevant to women and girls with disability. Inherent in this will be our work to further develop our website as an internationally recognised clearing-house and repository for historical and contemporary information on women and girls with disability, and to grow the WWDA Youth Network – an initiative of WWDA to specifically engage with, and build the capacity of young women with disability aged 13-30 years. WWDA will expand and enhance social media and other relevant digital online platforms to extend the reach of the organisation. The coming year will see WWDA, as a member of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA), develop new stakeholder communication and engagement strategies and procedures to ensure regular and consistent contact with not only WWDA members and stakeholders, but the broader ACDA stakeholder base.

WWDA’s Work Plan 2015-2016 contains seven key objectives. It includes as an attachment, the priority Work Plan for the ACDA, which contains 5 key outcome areas. As the ACDA moves forward to develop more detailed planning processes and priority actions for its future work, WWDA’s activity work plan will be integrated into the work of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA).

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Women With Disabilities

States Parties recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the

full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the full development, advancement and empowerment of women, for the purpose of

guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in the present Convention.

Article 6, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)Ratified by the Australian Government, July 2008

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Purpose of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

The goal of WWDA is to promote and advance the human rights and freedoms of women and girls with disability. Its aim is to be a national voice for the needs and rights of women and girls with disability and a national force to improve the lives and life chances of women and girls with disability.

Objectives of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

The key objectives of WWDA are to:• actively promote the participation of women and girls with disability in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life;• advocate on issues of concern to women and girls with disability in Australia; and• seek to be the national representative organisation for women and girls with disability in Australia by: undertaking systemic advocacy; providing policy advice; undertaking research; and, providing information and education.

Principles of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Underpinning WWDA’s Activity Work Plan 2015-2016, and implicit in WWDA's Strategic direction, is a commitment to the principles that inform the human rights based approach to our work:

Universality & inalienability: Human rights are universal and inalienable, the entitlement of all people everywhere in the world. An individual cannot voluntarily give them up. Nor can others take them away.

Indivisibility: Human rights are indivisible. Whether civil, cultural, economic, political or social, they are all inherent to the dignity of every person. Consequently, all human rights have equal status.

Interdependence: The realisation of one right often depends, wholly or in part, on the realisation of others.

Equality & non-discrimination: All individuals are equal as human beings, and by virtue of the inherent dignity of each person, are entitled to their rights without discrimination of any kind.

Participation and inclusion: All people have the right to participate in and access information relating to the decision-making processes that affect their lives and well-being.

Accountability: States and other duty-bearers are answerable for the observance of human rights. This includes both positive obligations to protect, promote and fulfil human rights, as well as negative obligations to abstain from rights violations.

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WWDA Work Plan 2015 – 2016: Key Objectives

1. Establish the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) as the national human rights based model of DPO representation to effect its purpose to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia.

2. Build on and further develop WWDA’s profile and reputation at the international level as the globally recognised leader on gender and disability.

3. Enhance WWDA’s capacity to contribute to the Australian Government’s work to strengthen the provision of gender analysis, advice and mainstreaming across Government and ensure the voices of women and girls with disability are included in policy development.

4. Build the capacity and voices of girls and young women with disability (aged 13-30years) through further development of the WWDA Youth Network.

5. Enhance WWDA’s capacity to promote and support the safety of women and girls with disability, in a range of settings.

6. Build and develop infrastructure and systems to support the organisation to achieve its vision, goals and objectives, including building WWDA’s capacity to consult and engage with women and girls with disability.

7. Demonstrate the highest standard of governance and fiduciary responsibility.

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Activity Work Plan 2015-2016Objectives Key Strategies Key Performance Indicators/Outputs

1. Establish the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) as the national human rights based model of DPO representation to effect its purpose to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia.

1.1. Contribute and commit the necessary and appropriate resources (including but not restricted to, financial resources, infrastructure, expertise and time) to develop, maintain and promote the ACDA and to deliver outcomes to achieve the purpose and objectives of the ACDA.

Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) is formally established.

WWDA contributes the equivalent of 60% of its operational funding base towards the work of the ACDA.

1.2. Work collaboratively with the ACDA member organisations to implement the ACDA Priority Work Plan [provided in Appendix].

The ACDA Priority Activity Work Plan is implemented.

2. Build on and further develop WWDA’s profile and reputation at the international level as the globally recognised leader on gender and disability.

2.1. Contribute to relevant international initiatives, particularly within the United Nations processes to promote gender equality and advancement of women and girls with disability, including:

Provide submissions, position statements, other expertise and knowledge to specific consultation processes on the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the UN General Assembly; and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW);

Submit an application for United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Accreditation for WWDA;

Represent women and girls with disability at relevant UN events and fora, including through civil society delegations to treaty monitoring processes, and the annual sessions of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW);

Provide submissions and input to the development of relevant General Comments, including the Draft General Comment on CRPD Article 6 (Women With Disabilities).

Evidence of WWDA contribution to international initiatives to promote gender equality and advancement of women and girls with disability.

Number and range of processes WWDA is involved in.

Evidence of outcomes stemming from WWDA’s involvement.

Application for United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Accreditation is completed and submitted.

Evidence of WWDA input to the development of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) General Comment on CRPD Article 6 [Women With Disabilities].

2.2. Work with UN Women and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) on specific initiatives developed through the Global Alliance of Women with Disabilities.

Evidence of WWDA input to the Global Alliance of Women with Disabilities.

2.3. Build on and further develop networks and linkages with existing and emerging groups of women with disability, including the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda (NUWODU); Women with Disabilities Development Foundation Bangladesh; Network of African Women with Disabilities (NAWWD); Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) Pakistan;

Networks and linkages with existing and emerging groups of women with disability are established.

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Pacific Women with Disability Committee; Disabled Women’s Network Canada.

2.4. Continue to work collaboratively with the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), Human Rights Watch, and Disability Rights International on global efforts to prohibit forced sterilisation.

Evidence of WWDA collaboration with international stakeholders on issue of forced sterilisation.

2.5. Submit application to present a panel on Women and Girls with Disabilities at the 13th Association of Women in Development (AWID) International Forum on Women’s Rights and Development ‘Feminist Futures: Building Collective Power for Rights and Justice’ to be held in Brazil in May 2016

Application to AWID International Forum developed and submitted.

WWDA invited to present a panel on Women and Girls with Disabilities at AWID International Forum.

WWDA sources funding to attend AWID International Forum.

3. Enhance WWDA’s capacity to contribute to the Australian Government’s work to strengthen the provision of gender analysis, advice and mainstreaming across Government and ensure the voices of women and girls with disability are included in policy development.

3.1. Manage and implement the 12 month WWDA Project ‘Strengthening the voice of WWDA and women with disability’ funded by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, through the Office for Women ‘Gender Equality for Women Program’.

12 month WWDA Project ‘Strengthening the voice of WWDA and women with disability’ is successfully implemented. Project deliverables and milestones are met and/or exceeded.

3.2. Provide submissions, position statements, other expertise and knowledge to specific Government consultation processes to advance gender equality and advancement of women and girls with disability.

Evidence of WWDA contribution to specific Government consultation processes to advance gender equality and advancement of women and girls with disability.

Number and scope of policy submissions/statements developed. Submissions are evidence based. Impact and outcome of any WWDA policy submission recommendations. Policy submissions are available in accessible formats on WWDA website.

4. Build the capacity and voices of girls and young women with disability (aged 13-30years) through further development of the WWDA Youth Network.

4.1. Develop a stand alone interactive website for the WWDA Youth Network.

WWDA Youth Network website developed and promoted. Usage data collected and reported on in WWDA Annual Reports.

4.2. Expand the reach of the WWDA Youth Network Facebook Page.

WWDA Youth Network Facebook Page subscribers are increased by 10%.

4.3. Establish additional online mechanisms to consult and engage with young girls and women with disability, including through Instagram; Twitter and other social media platforms.

Online mechanisms to consult and engage with young girls and women with disability are developed and implemented.

4.4. Organise the national Ministerial launch of the WWDA Youth Network.

WWDA Youth Network is publicly launched by Minister Assisting the Prime Minster for Women.

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4.5. Seek funding to conduct a national forum, and/or state and territory forums of girls and young women with disability.

Funding opportunities are researched and funding submissions are developed as appropriate.

4.6. Seek funding to employ a young woman with disability to the position of Coordinator of the WWDA Youth Network.

Funding is secured to employ young woman with disability to the position of Coordinator of the WWDA Youth Network.

5. Enhance WWDA’s capacity to promote and support the safety of women and girls with disability, in a range of settings.

5.1. Actively contribute to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (the National Plan), its National Action Plans, and State/Territory implementation plans.

Opportunities for WWDA to contribute to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Plan are identified. Number and range of National Plan processes WWDA is involved in. Evidence of outcomes stemming from WWDA’s involvement.

Women with disability have been consulted on national violence prevention initiatives.

5.2. Manage and implement the National Project, (funded by DSS) in partnership with Medibank Health Solutions, to develop the 1800RESPECT service to better meet the needs of women with disability experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, violence and abuse.

National 1800RESPECT Project is implemented.

Demonstrated evidence that 1800RESPECT website and service is better equipped to respond to women and girls with disability.

5.3. Continue to work with the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, and its secretariat, in an expert advisory role, for the Senate Inquiry into Violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability in institutional and residential settings.

Evidence and examples of specific initiatives of WWDA work with the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, and its secretariat to implement the Senate Inquiry into Violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability in institutional and residential settings.

5.4. Continue to seek funding opportunities to support WWDA’s work to address and prevent violence against women and girls with disability, including through the establishment and development of the Virtual Centre to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls With Disabilities.

Number and scope of policy submissions and/or other initiatives to which WWDA has contributed.

Evidence of WWDA contribution to national violence prevention initiatives undertaken by government and other organisations.

Funding opportunities are researched and funding submissions are developed as appropriate, to further build WWDA’s capacity to address violence against women and girls with disability.

5.5. Continue WWDA’s expert advisory role with the Australian National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS) as a member of the specialist Practitioner Engagement Group (PEG) and Peer Reviewer.

Evidence and examples of specific initiatives of WWDA work with ANROWS, including through peer reviews and representation on ANROWS Practitioner Engagement Group (PEG).

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5.6. Continue WWDA’s expert advisory role with Our Watch (the National Foundation to Prevent Violence against Women).

Evidence and examples of specific initiatives of WWDA work with Our Watch.

5.7. Liaise with, inform and support women with disability membership of the Prime Ministers Expert Advisory Panel on Domestic and Family Violence.

Mechanism to inform Prime Ministers Expert Advisory Panel on Domestic and Family Violence is established and implemented.

5.8. Continue to collaborate with the Stop the Violence (STVP) Project Team (WWDA, UNSW, PWDA) on initiatives stemming from the Stop the Violence Project (STVP).

Evidence and examples of specific initiatives of collaborative work undertaken by the Stop the Violence (STVP) Project Team.

6. Build and develop infrastructure and systems to support the organisation to achieve its vision, goals and objectives, including building WWDA’s capacity to consult and engage with women and girls with disability.

6.1. Develop Stakeholder Communication and Engagement Strategy and procedures to ensure regular and consistent contact with WWDA members and stakeholders regarding ongoing work and projects.

Stakeholder Communication and Engagement Strategy is developed are ratified by WWDA Board.

6.2. Develop Cloud-based systems, including: stakeholder and member management system; WWDA Representative registration, reporting and tracking

system. storage and collaborative sharing system for WWDA

working files.

Cloud-based systems are developed and implemented for: stakeholder and member management; WWDA Representative registration; and WWDA working files.

6.3. Develop consistent, branded Communications Templates including WWDA news bulletins, feature bulletins, social media and website updates, infographics, publications and information kits.

Branded Communications Templates are developed and implemented.

6.4. Develop WWDA international and domestic e-networks, including current MPs and Senators; international organisations; international individual members; United Nations; domestic individual members; domestic organisations; Commonwealth, State/Territory/local governments; academia and research; industry and other stakeholders.

WWDA international and domestic e-networks are developed and implemented.

6.5. Develop relevant Communication policies and procedures, including, as a priority:

social media; responding to general and individual advocacy requests; representation.

Communication policies and procedures, including for: social media, general and individual advocacy, and representation, are developed and ratified by the WWDA Board.

6.6. Further develop WWDA online content and presence of the WWDA and WWDA Youth Network websites; WWDA Facebook, WWDA Twitter.

Evidence of further development of WWDA online content and presence. WWDA Facebook Page subscribers are increased by 10%.

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6.7. Expand and enhance social media and other relevant digital online platforms to extend the reach of WWDA.

Evidence of further development of WWDA social media and other relevant digital online platforms. Increase in WWDA membership uptake.

6.8. Develop and maintain WWDA Project Management files for core-funded and externally funded projects.

WWDA Project Management files developed and implemented and are available in Cloud-based working file system.

6.9. Develop WWDA Internal Reporting and Activity tracking procedure and supporting report templates, to enable better collection of data and evidence of outputs and outcomes related to WWDA activities.

WWDA Internal Reporting and Activity tracking procedure is developed and implemented. Internal Reporting and Activity report templates are developed and implemented.

6.10. Develop WWDA Policy Update and Review matrix to track internal and operational policy development priorities and outcomes.

WWDA Policy Update and Review matrix is developed and implemented.

7. Demonstrate the highest standard of governance and fiduciary responsibility.

7.1. Update and further develop WWDA Governance policies and procedures.

WWDA Governance policies and procedures are reviewed, updated and ratified by the WWDA Board.

7.2. Update WWDA Management Committee Orientation Kit. WWDA Management Committee Orientation Kit is reviewed, updated and ratified by the WWDA Board.

7.3. Undertake reporting in accordance with the constitutional requirements of the organisation, WWDA’s service agreements; the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT); and the Charities Act 2013 (Cth), including:

Prepare and submit WWDA Annual Return to ACT Office of Regulatory Services;

Prepare and complete Annual Reporting requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC);

Prepare and submit WWDA Service Agreement (and funding contracts) Progress and Project Reports;

Write, publish and disseminate WWDA Annual Report.

WWDA has met the reporting requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT), the Charities Act 2013 (Cth); the WWDA Constitution, WWDA operational service agreement and WWDA project funding contracts.

WWDA Annual Report is written, published and widely disseminated.

7.4. Undertake internal and external financial reporting requirements and processes, including:

Prepare and submit WWDA financials for Annual Audit; WWDA CEO meet quarterly with WWDA Accountants

(Crowe Horwath); Provide quarterly financial reports prepared by Crowe

Horwath, to the WWDA Management Committee.

Accounting processes are current and consistent with auditing and Australian Tax Office requirements. Quarterly meetings with WWDA Accountants are conducted and financial reports are provided to the WWDA Board quarterly.

WWDA annual financial statements and Auditors 14

Report demonstrate excellent financial management and accountability.

7.5.Undertake governance activities and processes, including: Conduct quarterly meetings of the WWDA Management

Committee; Conduct the WWDA Annual General Meeting (AGM); Undertake WWDA Management Committee member

elections as required; Fortnightly meetings between WWDA Executive Director

and the WWDA President/Executive; Undertake annual staff Performance Reviews; Undertake annual staff Salary Reviews; Undertake quarterly reviews of the WWDA Activity

Workplan; Undertake annual review of WWDA Strategic Plan.

Governance activities and processes consistent with WWDA’s Constitution have been undertaken.

Staff Performance Review and Development processes have been undertaken on an annual basis. Any staff training requirements identified have been undertaken.

WWDA Activity Workplan is reported on at quarterly meetings of the WWDA Board.

7.6. Participate in Performance reviews/meetings between funding body (Department of Social Services) as required.

Performance review meetings with DSS have been undertaken. DSS has provided written feedback to WWDA on performance.

7.7. Organise WWDA Strategic Planning Forum for late 2015 or early 2016 to develop the new 5 year WWDA Strategic Plan.

WWDA Strategic Planning Forum (late 2015 or early 2016) has been organised and conducted. New 5 year WWDA Strategic Plan is developed.

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The Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) - Work Plan

The Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) is an alliance of national disabled person’s organisations (DPO’s) in Australia. The key purpose of the ACDA is to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia by working collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes and strategic priorities and opportunities. The ACDA is made up of four national cross-disability Disabled Person’s Organisations: Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA); National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA); First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDNA); and, People with Disability Australia (PWDA).

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the national cross-disability DPO for women and girls with all types of disabilities in Australia. It operates as a transnational human rights organisation and is run by women with disabilities, for women with disabilities. WWDA’s work is grounded in a human rights based framework which links gender and disability issues to a full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. WWDA represents more than 2 million disabled women in Australia, has affiliate organisations and networks of women with disabilities in most States and Territories, and is internationally recognised for its global leadership in advancing the human rights of women and girls with disabilities.

PO Box 407, Lenah Valley TAS 7008Ph: 0438 535 123

E: carolyn@wwda.org.auW: www.wwda.org.au

FB: www.facebook.com/WWDA.AustraliaTwitter: https://twitter.com/WWDA_AU

National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) is the national peak organisation representing the rights and interests of people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD/NESB) people with disability, their families and carers throughout Australia. NEDA advocates at the federal level so that CALD/NESB people with disability can participate fully in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life.

PO Box 971, Civic Square ACT 2608Ph: 02 6262 6867 Mobile: 0407878 933

E: ceo@neda.org.auW: http://neda.org.au/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nation

al-Ethnic-Disability-Alliance/253195261385603

First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDNA) is the national cross-disability DPO representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and their families. FPDNA utilises a range of strategies in its representative role, including through the provision of high-level advice to governments, and educating the government and non-government sectors about how to meet the unmet needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

402/161 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016Ph: 02 8399 0882

E: enquiries@fpdn.org.auW: http://fpdn.org.au

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-

Peoples-Disability-Network/690811164346973

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fpdnaus

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is a national disability rights and advocacy organisation. Its primary membership is made up of people with disability and organisations primarily constituted by people with disability. It also has a large associate

PO Box 666 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012Ph: 02 9370 3100

E: pwd@pwd.org.au16

membership of other individuals and organisations committed to the disability rights movement. Founded in 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons, PWDA seeks to provide people with disability with a voice of their own. It has a cross-disability focus representing the interests of people with all kinds of disability.

W: http://pwd.org.auFB:

https://www.facebook.com/PWD.AustraliaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PWDAustralia

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Purpose of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance

The key purpose of the ACDA is to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia by working collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes and strategic priorities and opportunities.

Key Objectives

The Alliance will: work to advance the rights of all people with disability from all walks of Australian life, in relevant policy frameworks, strategies, partnership agreements and

any other relevant initiatives; promote and engender a collaborative, co-operative and respectful relationship with all levels of Government in the efforts of the ACDA to advance the human

rights of people with disability; build on and further develop networks, strategic alliances and partnerships at state/territory, national and international levels to advance human rights of

people with disability; promote the ACDA at national and international levels as the coordinating point for engagement with the Australian DPO sector; and build respect for, appreciation of, and faith in the DPO sector in Australia.

Guiding Principles

The Alliance will: recognise and agree that the international human rights normative framework, including international human rights treaties and instruments to which

Australia is party provide the human rights framework to advance the rights of people with disability; work from and within a human rights framework and approach in its work to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with a

disability; build a culture of engagement with, and inclusive of all persons with disability; recognise and support the right of all people with disability to join one or more of the ACDA organisations, and other DPO and representative organisations;

and represent a cross-disability perspective that ensures there are no gaps in representation of people with disability.

Operational Principles

Each party will: continue to work independently to provide specialist expertise for and on behalf of their members/constituents, while coming together as the ACDA to work

collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes and strategic priorities and opportunities to advance the human rights of people with disability; work as part of the Alliance in accordance with its operating model and this work plan; contribute and commit necessary and appropriate resources to develop, maintain and promote the ACDA and deliver outcomes to achieve the purpose and

objectives of the ACDA; work actively, openly and transparently in a collaborative manner to deliver outcomes in response to ACDA purpose and objectives; work together on a non-exclusive basis to pursue the partnership to actively develop, maintain, promote and grow the ACDA at state/territory, national and

international levels; at all times act in good faith towards the other parties to achieve successful collaboration for each other's mutual benefit and not do anything which might

prejudice the other Parties successful involvement in the ACDA; base their relationships with one another on trust and mutual respect for the work that each of the Parties undertakes; acknowledge and respect the independence, identity and policy priorities of each member organisation of the ACDA; and

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be positive about each other's organisations publicly and will resolve any differences, conflicts and/or disputes privately and professionally and in accordance with the ACDA Conflict/Dispute Resolution Procedure.

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Key Priorities for the Australian Cross Disability Alliance

Outcomes Tasks to be completed Priority

1. Alliance Model established – robust and cohesive

1.1. Develop and implement the Operating Model of the Alliance including: Governance. Resourcing model – pooling and sharing of resources. Systems, process and mechanisms to be put in place to support the

Alliance’s work. Rules for engagement with Alliance members. Supporting Memorandum of Understanding or similar mechanism between

the parties that form the Alliance. Leadership, Innovation and Development Fund for People with Disability.

Next 3 months

1.2. Establish and implement a Communication Strategy to support the work of the Alliance, including an agreed technological platform and digital channels.

Next 3 months

1.3. Establish and implement a Capacity Building Strategy (skills, capabilities and resourcing) to support the work of the Alliance.

Next 3 months

1.4. Develop a brand, image and style strategy to support the work of the Alliance. Next 3 months

1.5. Establish and implement a Transition Strategy to move individual Alliance members into the agreed Alliance operating model and address backlog and current Alliance workload issues.

Next 3 months

1.6. Develop and implement a Reporting Framework to support the work program of the Alliance (with a focus on continuous improvement).

Next 3 - 6 months

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Outcomes Tasks to be completed Priority

2. Engagement of people with disabilities - representative

and inclusive

2.1. Identify and map from a national perspective the key stakeholders that the Alliance should work with e.g. other representative bodies (national and international), the diverse community of people with disability etc. to ensure that the Alliance is inclusive in its representation.

Next 3 months

2.2. Develop and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Strategy (for each identified key stakeholder group) to support the establishment of the Alliance model that includes consideration of:• Engagement protocols• Consultation protocols• Communication mechanisms

Next 3 - 6 months

2.3. Develop and implement strategies that are inclusive of people with disability in determining the strategic priorities of the Alliance (this will be as part of an ongoing engagement process with people with disability).

Next 3 monthsOngoing process

2.4. Develop and implement methods, for co-designing with people with disability, the advice/position statements on key work undertaken by the Alliance.

Ongoing process

2.5. As part of the Alliance Capacity Building Strategy (refer to task 1.3), develop mechanisms to ensure the diversity of people with disability can be effectively represented e.g. evidence of understanding of different diagnostic groups.

Next 3 - 6 months

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Outcomes Tasks to be completed Priority

3 Proven track record in advice and influence on issues relevant for people with disability

3.1. Conduct: An analysis of the state of play for UN conventions and treaties in Australia

as they impact on people with disability; An assessment of the current scope of National Disability Strategy and

issues needing to be addressed; Define and identify issues for very marginalised people with disability to

determine the Alliance’s work program priorities.

(Note: As part of the priority setting process the Alliance will actively consult with people with disability in determining the focus of the Alliance’s work.)

Next 3 - 6 months

3.2 Develop a triage process to determine the appropriate response strategy for issues referred by Government to the Alliance for consideration.

Ongoing process

3.3 Establish a Code of Conduct and Ethical Practice Model to underpin the work of the Alliance (refer to the operating model).

Next 3 months

3.4 Establish alliances and partnerships with people with disability, academia, and other organisations to establish/grow the evidence base to inform the Alliance’s work and key position statements.

Next 6 – 12 months

3.5 Develop and implement a Government Relations Strategy, including protocols and engagement strategies for working with government on issues that recognise the mutual obligations of the parties.

Next 3 - 6 months

3.6 Develop and implement a Media Strategy to support the work of the Alliance that ensures that the voice of people with disability is heard in the Australian community.

Next 3 - 6 months

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Outcomes Tasks to be completed Priority

4. Outcome focussed – providing value in lives of people with disability

4.1 Establish a two way feedback loop between the Alliance and people with disability to ensure that the Alliance is able to effectively represent people with disability.

Ongoing process

4.2 Report on the Alliance’s progress by producing a regular Report Card that outlines the outcomes and impacts of the Alliance’s work.

Ongoing process

4.3 Establish and implement a Due Diligence process to ensure Australia is adhering the UN Conventions to which Australia is a party.

Ongoing process

5. International ‘go to’ point on issues for people with disability

5.1 Identify and map the international bodies e.g. UN organisations; civil society organisations that the Alliance should be working with to address issues of concern for people with disability.

Next 6 – 12 months

5.2 Identify and map the international agendas of key UN organisation and civil society organisations to inform the key priorities of the Alliance’s work program.

Next 6 – 12 months

5.3 Actively participate in international human rights mechanisms, including shadow reporting processes for UN conventions to which Australia is a party.

Next 6 – 12 months

5.4 Represent people with disability in Australia at relevant UN forums. Next 6 – 12 months

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