Julie Phillips

Julie Phillips has been working in the disability sector for over 20 years. As a Community Worker for the Victorian Deaf Society, Julie began advocating for members of the Deaf Community and supporting their rights to equal access in 1989 and continues that involvement to date. Currently, Julie is Manager of the Disability Discrimination Legal Service, and a Disability Advocate who specialises in using human rights legislation to assist people with disabilities gain their rights.

Session

Twenty years of the Disability Discrimination Act

Time: 1:15am - 2:00am

Location: Blue Room

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is twenty years old. This panel session will look at what the legal landscape was like for the Act, how things have changed and how things can be improved. The topic will be explored from different angles and perspectives.

Achieving systemic change – people with disabilities missing in action

Time: 4:45am - 5:30am

Location: Yellow Room

Is there enough activism in Australia or has grassroots action fallen prey to a new and different level of engagement with people with disabilities?

Justice system: Double whammy

Time: 1:30am - 2:30am

Location: Park B

People with disabilities are more likely than other Victorians to be in prison and to be victims of crime. How can we turn the recommendations from recent justice inquiries into positive action? How can we influence government policy and put an end to this shameful situation? Julie Phillips from the Disability Discrimination Legal Service (DDLS) discusses why the problems continue when we know what the answers are.