Crawford School of Public Policy

Episode Summary

This week on Policy Forum Pod we take a look at the future of the National Disability Insurance Scheme with former government Minister Jenny Macklin, Gemma Carey, and Clare Moore. And we hear about a new project that could transform unloved and unused spaces in our cities and bring communities together in the process.

Episode Notes

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a significant policy. Launched in 2016, the NDIS provides support to Australians with a disability, their families, and their carers. But while it has been broadly welcomed, its implementation has not been without significant challenges. This week on Policy Forum Pod we hear from former Labor government Minister Jenny Macklin, Dr Gemma Carey, and Clare Moore about what it will take to fix the NDIS. Pod hosts Sara Bice and Martyn Pearce also chat to Carolyn Hendriks about the ‘Stomping Grounds’ project and how it could change the way our cities and towns are used, and discuss some of your questions and suggestions for future pods. Listen here.

Gemma Carey is the Research Director of the Centre for Social Impact UNSW and an NHMRC Fellow. She holds a PhD in social policy and population health from the University of Melbourne and a Masters in Anthropology from the University of Adelaide. She undertakes primary research in governance and policy implementation. Drawing on this work, she also contributes to emerging debates in public health regarding the social determinants of health. Much of her research investigates the processes of ‘joining up’ within government and between government and non-government organisations. Her current research is concerned with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Clare Moore is the Chief Executive Officer of WWDACT, Women with Disabilities ACT, an advocacy organisation that promotes the human rights of women and girls with a disability in the Canberra region. WWDACT are passionate about intersectionality, health care, housing, and education. Clare was the winner of the 2018 Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award for Emerging Young Leaders. She is also a member of the Disability Leadership Institute’s Future Shaper Program.

Jenny Macklin was the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs from 2007-2013, and from 2011-2013 was Minister for Disability reform under the Gillard and Rudd Labor governments. Jenny was instrumental in the national roll-out for the NDIS, overseeing the design and implementation of the Scheme. Macklin was also a member of the Government’s Expenditure Review Committee and Chair of the Government’s Social Policy Committee.

Carolyn Hendriks is Associate Professor of Public Policy and Governance, at Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University. Carolyn’s work examines the democratic aspects of contemporary governance, particularly with respect to participation, deliberation, inclusion, and representation. She has taught and published widely on the application and politics of inclusive and deliberative forms of citizen engagement.

Tess McGirr is a Sir Roland Wilson PhD scholar at Crawford School researching how social services can complement welfare reform to improve employment outcomes. Tess has a long-held passion for social policy.

Sara Bice is a Senior Research Fellow at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, and leads the Next Generation Engagement Program based at the school.

Martyn Pearce is a presenter for Policy Forum Pod and the Editor of Policy Forum.

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