Outcome Area 3 - Safety, Rights and Justice

The rights of people with disability are promoted, upheld and protected, and people with disability feel safe and enjoy equality before the law.

Action 16

Progress the Canine Court Companion pilot project to provide increased practical support and assistance to vulnerable victims of crime and prosecution witnesses involved with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Attorney-General’s Department leads this action.

This action is considered completed and ongoing.

Progress throughout 2023

The Canine Court Companion pilot project transitioned to an ongoing function within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2023. The project is a joint initiative between the Director of Public Prosecutions and Guide Dogs SA/NT.

Zeb, a four-year-old Labrador, is the current Companion. Zeb assists vulnerable victims and witnesses at appointments and in court. To date, Zeb has attended 97 appointments and supported 67 victims and witnesses.

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Action 17

Develop new community engagement programs, and enhance existing programs delivered by South Australia Police to ensure they safely and effectively engage people with disability, including those at risk of harm.

The South Australia Police leads this action.

This action is  in progress.

Progress throughout 2023

South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched the Road Safety Action Plan which includes a focus on the provision of relevant road safety information regarding the use of motorised wheelchairs, power assisted bicycles, wheeled recreational devices and electric personal transporters.

The Road Safety Section continues to offer road safety education sessions for people with disability. In addition, SAPOL also offers vehicle security advice on Mobility Scooter Theft Prevention (PDF 445 KB).

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Action 18

Improve accessibility for people living with disability to connect with existing safeguarding agencies in South Australia.

The Department of Human Services leads this action.

This action is  in progress.

Progress throughout 2023

The Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to progress the expansion of the Community Visitor Scheme and to work with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission to ensure all people with disability, including those under the NDIS have access to visitation and outreach.

DHS is also leading work to review safeguarding measures and structures across government for the purpose of improving the current system. This work is looking to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguarding services in the state with opportunities under consideration to join up information and training, co-location, and consolidation, where appropriate.

Case study – New fully accessible Women’s Safety Hub and resources

In late 2023, the Office for Women launched its Southern Safety Hub, coordinated by Southern Community Justice Services SA. The building is fully accessible and co-located with Can:Do.

Additionally, following consultation with women with disability, the Office for Women published a consultation paper on coercive control, along with an Easy Read version of coercive control information (PDF 2.3 MB) on its website.

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