Insufficient Government Support to Representative Disability Organisations
People with disability are one of the most politically disenfranchised groups in Australia.
A person can be removed from public office, such as serving as a judge or politician if it is found that they cannot fulfil responsibilities on the grounds of ‘disability’, such as a psychosocial disability. (See also Article 12)
Case Study
In 2011, the Judicial Commission of New South Wales recommended to the New South Wales Parliament that a magistrate be removed from his judicial office on the basis that he may in future become incapacitated by his psychosocial disability. The Judicial Commission of New South Wales made this recommendation following investigation of complaints of inappropriate behaviour by the magistrate, even though it found that the magistrate had sought treatment for a mental health condition which now effectively allowed him to successfully undertake the responsibilities of his position.
People with disability are precluded from serving on a jury because the law may disqualify them on the basis of disability, such as psychosocial or sensory disability; or because of barriers that prevent serving on a jury, such as inaccessible locations and information.
People with disability are further excluded from engaging in the political process through the inadequate funding of Disabled Persons Organisations.
