Scope participates in panel discussions as part of the Disability Royal Commission

Scope CEO Kate MacRae participated a public hearing of the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in Brisbane earlier this week.

Kate appeared alongside other leaders of Australian service providers in two separate panel discussions. In the Choice and Control session, Kate was joined by Angela Yee from Supported Independent Living Cooperative and Donna Shkalla from UnitingCare Queensland. The panel titled Human Rights in Practice also featured Hayley Dean from Melba and Jennifer Cullen from Synapse.

Kate emphasised the importance of taking part in the hearing, as part of Scope’s broader support for - and advocacy of – the Disability Royal Commission.

“Without a shadow of doubt, the Royal Commission will help advance the rights of people with disability, and importantly, the work of the Commission is consistent with our own

mission to enable each person we support to live as an empowered and equal citizen,” Kate said.

“As a service provider, we were pleased to answer questions concerning choice and control for people with disability – it is a critical enabler for better support and improved outcomes, and is a guiding principle for the way we deliver our services.

“The second panel concerning human rights offered opportunity to emphasise the fact that Scope people go to work every day to make them a reality, as part of our collective creation of a rights-based culture.”

Kate added that while it was important to contribute to the hearing, she also valued the opportunity to listen.

“The information, views and insights of other panel members, along with the enquiry from the Commission, will be invaluable learning for Scope as we embrace continuous improvement of our services.”