Disability activism provides a roadmap for human flourishing, not just for people with disabilities, but for the world at large. If the NDIS is to be anything more than a decoration to hide further attacks on the welfare state, independent advocacy by DPOs must be bolstered. Without it, the NDIS will become a deadened institution that perpetuates neglect and segregation like the ‘big bins’ of old.
The parliament has passed legislation that permits the Attorney General to authorise certain activities of ASIO and affiliates as ‘special intelligence operations’. We can only assume that ASIO will seek such authorisation when its operatives plan to break the criminal or civil law – the whole point of authorising an operation as a special intelligence operation is that participants will be immune from the consequences of their unlawfulness. It will also be a criminal act to disclose information about these operations.