The Disability Discrimination Act: Rights, Realities, and the Road Ahead

Join the University of Melbourne's Diversity and Inclusion team and the Melbourne Disability Institute for this engaging and thought-provoking public discussion on the Disability Discrimination Act: Rights, Realities, and the Road Ahead.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed into legislation more than 30 years ago, and it’s been 15 years since any major amendments have been made. A lot has changed in the past 15 years – but the DDA has not. The current review of the DDA is a unique opportunity to tell the Australian Government exactly what needs to change so the DDA addresses discrimination and helps drive greater inclusion.

To say there is a lot riding on the outcome of the DDA review is an understatement. Will a refreshed DDA be enough to drive meaningful change? What else needs to be done to advance a rights-based agenda? Where does disability justice fit in?

At this event, a panel of experts will discuss the DDA and what more needs to be done to ensure people with disability enjoy the same rights and opportunities as others in the Australian community.

This 75-minute session is part of a three-part seminar series designed to build engagement across the University – and the broader community - with key concepts and issues in the critical disability studies space.

There will be time for questions at the end of the talk - a link will be shared to submit questions in advance.

The seminar will conclude at 4:15pm and be followed by a drinks and nibbles reception.

We encourage you to register early, limited in-person tickets are available! You will also be able to register for online access. 

Speakers

Video message

Rosemary Kayess, Disability Discrimination Commissioner

Panellists

Professor Alastair McEwin AM, Senior Fellow, Grattan Institute

Natalie Wade, Associate Commissioner, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Chair

A/Professor Anna Arstein-Kerslake, Director, Disability Inclusive Law and Policy Hub Director, Student Experience, Melbourne Law School

Event timing

• 3:00-4:00pm: Seminar

• 4:00-4:15pm: Audience Q&A

• 4:15-5:15pm: Reception with refreshments at the Kenneth Myer Building

Event location

• In-person: Ian Potter Auditorium, Kenneth Myer Building

• Online: via Zoom Webinar

Venue and accessibility information

The Ian Potter Auditorium is on the ground level of the Kenneth Myer Building. This venue has a hearing loop and we have arranged for Auslan interpreters and live captioning. 

Please let us know when you register if you would like any other accessibility supports. 

If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, or require adjustments to be able to fully enjoy the seminar experience, please email the Diversity and Inclusion team at diversity-inclusion@unimelb.edu.au