Disability Discrimination Legal Service

NDIS loses case with 'extremely significant' implications for plans The agency running the NDIS has lost a legal case experts say could have significant implications for how future funding decisions are made.

Uber quietly agrees to external review after woman sues over guide dog refusals. ABC

Uber has agreed to an external review of its operations after settling a Federal Court case brought by a woman refused more than 30 rides while travelling with a guide dog.

The woman and her legal team want Uber to use the review as an opportunity to fix a problem they say has become "endemic".

The external review will be chaired by a person with disability and its outcome, including an evaluation of how Uber implements the changes, will not be released until 2028.

ID: A person stands outdoors holding a smartphone, with a guide dog wearing a harness sitting calmly at their side. They’re in front of a building, with trees and a large rock behind them, in a shaded, leafy area.

VCAT dismisses claim against NDIS participant

A debt collection action against our client, pursued for 18 months by his former NDIS provider, has now been dismissed.

Our client, a man with an intellectual disability, chose to change service providers. Arguing insufficient notice was given, the provider claimed fees for 28 days of support which was never provided.

In dismissing the application, Deputy President Ian Lulham noted that providing disability supports is a regulated industry. NDIS rules prohibit charging for unrendered services, with few exceptions.

“It’s clear the Respondent must succeed … You can’t contract out of regulations in a regulated industry.”

The lesson: Providers wishing to operate in the NDIS space must abide by NDIS rules.

Claims like this cause significant anxiety for people with disabilities and their families. They take valuable resources away from tribunals and advocacy organisations.

Play by the rules.

[Image description: Photo of our lawyers Victor and Julia who worked on this case, in front of a sign for Villamanta]

At 11am on Tuesday 9 December, the Victorian Government will deliver an Apology to First Peoples.

The Apology is for the profound harms inflicted on our peoples by the State and colony – both historic and ongoing.

The Apology is a key recommendation of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and the first deliverable of Statewide Treaty. It is because of the collective strength and activism of our Community that we have been able to achieve Truth and Treaty.

We know that for many, this moment will bring up strong emotions. Please take care of yourselves and each other🖤💛❤️

Register for the livestream at:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/apology-to-first-peoples-by-the-victorian-government-livestream-tickets-1975894619998