Layba Zubair

Ensuring job seekers are on the pathway to work welcome news for Tukituki   A recent announcement will see jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations now meeting with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting, says National MP for Tukituki Catherine Wedd. “This Government is not prepared to sit back and let welfare dependency get any worse. I am thrilled that the Government is paving the way for early intervention to get job seekers on the pathway to work” says Wedd. “The East Coast region had 6,143 people receiving Jobseeker Support in March 2017, the recent figures released show in March 2024 that number has risen to 8,301, we do not find that acceptable. “MSD’s new Kōrero Mahi – Let’s Talk mandatory work seminar will make sure all new Jobseeker beneficiaries are getting the correct support and people are clear on what is expected of them. The seminar would help job seekers apply for a job, or if they are in need re-training or upskilling, they could refer people to a programme that can help. “The seminar must be attended by people who are work ready on Jobseeker Support within a fortnight to assist with next steps. “We have set a target of 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030. To achieve this, we must make sure the welfare system is helping people get back on their feet. “We are committed to lifting the incomes of working households who may be experiencing hardship by providing tax relief and lifting skills and education to provide our children with greater opportunities. “The coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy to ensure there are more opportunities for Kiwis to work and to ensure job seekers are on the right pathway into work.”

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There are new amendments to the NDIS Bill that address the question of whether needs assessments are for the 'whole person' or specific qualifying impairments. The updated explanatory memorandum states that amendments have been made to "clarify that funding in a reasonable and necessary budget can only be provided in respect of impairments that meet the disability requirements or early intervention requirements." However, there are now legislative notes provided throughout that state that "needs arising out of impairments that meet the disability or early intervention requirements may be impacted by other factors, including environmental factors and impairments that do not, of themselves, meet the disability or early intervention requirements." There are then examples provided of person with Autism who was assessed as having a higher level of need in the area of self-management because of her ADHD and a man with intellectual disability with diabetes who recieves additional support to manage his insulin schedule. These are significant improvements. That said, there are significant questions that remain outstanding. 1. Will participants be told which impairment they met acccess for? If not, this seems like a breach of procedural fairness, especially if it significantly impacts their funding. 2. Will participants be able to appeal the Agency's listing of their disability? There is currently no reviewable decision associated with this. 3. Can a person meet access to the NDIS for more than one impairment and does the software the Agency uses have the potential to contain this information? 4. If a participant's flexible budget does not consider their environmental factors or other impairments that (do or don't meet access) then will they be able to appeal a decision and request a new needs assesssment that does consider this? On what basis and how? Shifting from a focus on a holistic concept of disability to a narrow concept of elligible impairments changes the character and the spirit of the NDIS. There may be good reasons for doing this, but pretending that this is not a significant change, or pretending that this is in line with the intentions of the NDIS (when the NDIS Act clearly says nothing of the sort, as the AAT and Federal Court have made abundantly clear) is about as honest as a certain Waste Clock I know.

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📢Join us for the Centre's 2024 Early Years Forum, hosted by our Early Start, Bright Future project, funded by the Department of Education Victoria 📢 📅Thursday, 18 April 2024 9am - 11.30am Online via registration Children’s Voices in Family Violence: centering the voices and experiences of infants and young children and keeping them connected to community and education. In Victoria, police data shows that nearly two-thirds of children exposed to recorded incidences of family violence were nine years of age or younger, and 35% were under the age of three. These infants and young children are victims and survivors in their own right. However, the service system often fails to adequately respond to their unique needs. This forum will focus on children’s right to education and how this right is impacted by family violence. We will explore strategies to better support children who have experienced family violence to remain connected to early childhood education and discuss why this connection is so crucial. Given the increasing levels of family violence in the Victorian community and the roll-out of the Multi-agency Risk and Management framework (MARAM) responsibilities to the early education sector, now is an important time to engage in this conversation. Register to attend at https://lnkd.in/gTCNrwuc

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My latest piece for The Spinoff is about how the Waitangi Tribunal’s latest report, on the proposed repeal of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act, is about more than just child protection. It tackles child protection issues head on, like unpicking the false assumption that upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi is in conflict with upholding children’s best interests. But it also deals with bigger issues, like the role of the government as treaty partner, and all that that entails. The subtext here is the tribunal’s emerging role as a bastion of protection for Māori rights in the face of an increasingly hostile government. For all those reasons and more, this latest report should be of interest far beyond its specific policy context. https://lnkd.in/gVkMEfMJ

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Do you let students plan and carry out their own science investigations? Do you provide opportunities for in-depth discussions about science topics? How often do your primary students have science lessons? A new national report, released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), explores latest achievement data for students’ science literacy, and offers insights into what’s happening in Australian classrooms to help develop their knowledge, understanding and inquiry skills. #STEM #science

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Making the case for more investment in child protection in the Northern Territory.

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As part of the Australia Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) People Of Colour Network, i had the opportunity to take part in their monthly workshop for community leaders. It was incredible being among passionate individuals coming together to drive meaningful change for our planet! 🌏 We delved into the urgent issue of climate misinformation, led by the Shae from Democracy in Colour. The session was on the pervasive nature of misinformation and its detrimental impact on our understanding of climate change. We explored how misinformation can distort public perception, hinder climate action, and perpetuate harmful narratives. Shae’s presentation empowered us with invaluable tools to discern fact from fake information, equipping us to navigate the vast sea of information with clarity and discernment. Additionally, we discussed the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can exacerbate the situation of misinformation. AI's ability to generate persuasive, seemingly authentic content can fuel the spread of misinformation, making it more difficult to distinguish fact from falsehood. The potential for AI to manipulate digital media and create deepfakes also adds a new dimension to the challenge. As we adapt to an increasingly digital world, we must also evolve our strategies to ensure truth and accuracy prevail. As advocates for climate justice, it’s imperative that we stay vigilant against misinformation and actively promote accurate, science-based narratives. By arming ourselves with knowledge and fostering critical thinking, we can counteract the spread of false information and advance informed dialogue on climate issues. It is vital that community leaders partake in such workshops, where we can deepen our understanding, exchange ideas, and mobilize for positive change. Together, let’s continue to amplify our voices, drive climate action, and build a sustainable future for generations to come! Australian Youth Climate Coalition #ClimateAction #YouthEmpowerment #AYCC #ClimateJustice #Youthadvocacy #Youth

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The government response to the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission into violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability was released yesterday. 13 of 222 recommendations were taken up. 13. It is unfathomable. I am also struggling to comprehend that 227 million has been committed to employment services versus 1.2 million to address domestic, family and sexual violence. Our women with disability experience violence at much higher rates than non-disabled women and all we get is a measly 1.2 million. It is more important to have a job than stay alive? I have invested 10 years in this work and over a year on the DRC work and I am struggling to comprehend this is all we get? In a year where more women than ever have been killed We have been tragically failed. read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gzbvGgG2 #DRC #disability #disabilityroyalcommission #womenwithdisability #DFSV

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It was a privilege to work alongside Viviene Bunquin and Amy Xie, on a submission representing the New Zealand Law Students'​ Association regarding our stance on the repeal of s 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. We also had the opportunity to present our submission to the Select Committee and respond to their questions, which was an invaluable experience. As per s 5 of the Act, the wellbeing of a child or young person must be at the centre of decision making that affects that child or young person, and though this has been used to justify the repeal of s 7AA, it is for this very reason that myself and NZLSA are against it. In our submission, we note the merits of s 7AA, providing as an accountability mechanism for OT and its Chief Executive, ensuring it adheres to its commitments to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising mana tamaiti (tamariki), whakapapa, and the practice of whānaungatanga for children and young persons. This Section is present to address the institutionalised racism, inequities and controversial practices in uplifting Māori children. However, s 7AA is not present to have cultural considerations trump all other factors, rather, it is meant to be considered alongside s 5. Having said that, it is pivotal to recognise that tamariki Māori’s connection to their culture, reo, whānau, hapu and iwi is inextricably linked to their overall hauora and this should be advocated for (with considerations being made on a case-by-case basis). Our submission also points to our international commitments to UNDRIP and the progress made by international jurisdictions such as Canada and Australia in supporting the well-being of Indigenous children. We also provide recommendations in our submission, which I encourage you to read in our submission I have attached.

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I was pleased to speak last week at the Symposium on Corporate Purpose held at Victoria University of Wellington. The title of my paper was “Corporate Purpose and the impact on Equitable Remedies, Economic Growth and Democracy”. I raised three concerns about the new s131(5) of the Companies Act 1993 (NZ). This provision allows a director as part of the duty to act in the best interests of the company to consider environmental, social and governance matters, and potentially to do so even where that is not consistent with shareholder value. The first concern relates to the fact that the directors’ duty to act in the best interests of a company is a fiduciary duty that gives rise to equitable remedies such as avoidance of contracts. I am concerned that s131(5) will adversely affect commercial certainty by potentially encouraging challenges to the validity of contracts where boards have not considered ESG matters. Secondly, s131(5) by blurring the focus of directors on matters that enhance shareholder wealth risks adversely impacting on the benefit of the corporate form as an engine for economic growth. It is the focus on shareholder wealth that ensures resources are put into products and services most desired by consumers. Thirdly, s131(5) is undemocratic as directors unelected by the public are encouraged to implement imprecisely expressed social objectives when they have no expertise in such matters (and may indeed have conflicting views on such matters) and are not publicly accountable for their choices. Where there is a need for social or environmental reform this should instead be done through specific regulation enacted by Parliament. Thanks to Matteo Solinas of Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington and Da Lin of University of Richmond School of Law for organising the Symposium.

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Colony 47 has many amazing programs & services for young people. Our Step Up program is a highly effective program helping young people who exhibit violent behaviour towards family members or intimate partners. (See post below) You may have seen Criminology Professor Vincent Hurley’s passionate plea on Q & A, “money needs to go into front line services now, not a Royal commission. “ Like many other service providers doing great work, we know prevention is better than cure & can only continue providing these crucial services with funding, ideally longer term funding. #prevention #stepup #intimatepartnerviolence

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Over the weekend at the Sydney Writers'​ Festival’ Festival, high-profile political journalist Laura Tingle told the audience Australia is a racist country, and always has been. It prompted widespread media coverage and criticism from Coalition politicians and media commentators. But is it true? Is Australia fundamentally a racist country? The Conversation Australia + NZ asked five experts – including UTS's own Nareen Young and Andrew Jakubowicz – what they think. 💬 "It seems to me the people who aren’t subjected to racism in both systemic and individual terms think it’s not a racist country and get in a tizzy about comments like Laura Tingle’s. There’s this overreaction and defensiveness. "But we do need a national, open discussion about it. Many First Nations or non-mainstream people don’t talk a lot about the racism they experience because it’s traumatic. So it’s actually helpful for the discussion when a mainstream person like Laura Tingle says it." – Nareen 💬 "Looking at the key institutions of Australian society where key decisions are made and where the power rests, there is little doubt it reflects a racist structure. People from particular ethnic groups, primarily western and northern European, sit at the top of the hierarchy. "So, is Australia a racist society in which moderate racism is widespread and perceived as “normal”? On all objective criteria, yes. Is it better now than it was? Yes, but it’s a more complex situation than it was." – Andrew Read more ➡ https://lnkd.in/gYhYQZND UTS Business School UTS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) #AntiRacism

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Djirra and the 16 other Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services (FVPLS) strongly rely on funding from Commonwealth and State governments. FVPLSs are the least funded of the four legal assistance providers in Australia. The National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) is expected to bring FVPLS into its future arrangements. An Independent Review of the NLAP by eminent person, Dr Warren Mundy, was presented to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus on 6 March. Yet six weeks later we are STILL waiting for Government to publish this landmark report and commit to its findings. These include: - Increased funding for FVPLSs given the complexity and longevity of the support we provide to Aboriginal women and children who experience family violence - Pay parity for FVPLS staff with Legal Aid. Our 90+% women staff are paid 20-30% less on average than counterparts in Legal Aid Commissions - Quarantined funding with indexation - Longer term agreements - Reallocating funds to meet the needs of Aboriginal people requiring legal assistance from mainstream legal services to Aboriginal community controlled legal services The Department of Social Services (DSS) MUST also step up and provide long overdue funding for FVPLSs to support our holistic, non-legal support for Aboriginal women and children who experience family violence. For example, our early intervention and prevention programs, case management and counselling services. Back our calls to release the report and implement its recommendations by emailing Attorney General Mark Dreyfus at mark.dreyfus.mp@aph.gov.au, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth at Minister.Rishworth@dss.gov.au and Minister for Finance and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher at senator.katy.gallagher@aph.gov.au #AboriginalWomensLivesMatter #WeHaveTheSolutions #SelfDetermination 

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The Development Studies Association of Australia (DSAA) joins the global chorus for an immediate ceasefire.   The DSAA stands in solidarity with the demands of the people of Palestine to political self-determination and sovereignty, and their longstanding demand for just and equal relations with its neighbours.   As academics, we abhor and denounce the destruction of Palestinian institutes of learning by the Israeli forces, noting that all universities in Gaza have been physically destroyed. Education is a human right and the pathway to self-determined prosperity. In ours, and the eyes of much of the world, this is evidence of the Israeli government’s commitment to utilize disproportionate force and a strategy of undermining the livelihoods of non-combatant civilians.   We mourn the lives of thousands of innocent women and men killed in a military offensive for which they bear no responsibility. We particularly mourn the deaths of the more than 14,500 children who never knew peace, sovereignty nor democracy – we grieve the lost opportunities for each of these individual young people, whose innocence and potential we see in the faces of our own students.   We stand in support of student protests globally and particularly here in Australia. We take inspiration from the brave students who are using their voices to educate, to dialogue and to stand for political and social justice. We urge Australian universities to recognise and honour our students’ right to protest and to not to interfere with their encampments and other forms of demonstration. We support the efforts of student protestors in calling on universities to divest from companies working with Israel and with ties to arms manufacturers. We strongly encourage management from Australian universities to meet with student protestors to discuss their concerns.   The current military invasion of Gaza and ongoing occupation of Palestine affords the Palestinian people no dignity, and without dignity there can be no peace. We support global recognition of Palestine and efforts to establishing sustainable democratic representation within Palestine. We recognise the Australian government’s support of a Palestinian state. We further call on the Australian government to immediately discontinue all actions and partnerships that support the Israeli war effort.

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The Human Rights Commission has released a report that found governments across all sectors and departments Australia wide have failed to identify, and deal with racism. The AHRC report made six recommendations, including developing a nationally recognised definition of racism, and anti-racism education in schools. What's Next?The AHRC report was part of a broader national anti-racism framework to be developed. "You have to name the demon to slay it," Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman told the ABC. The "demon" in this case is racism, a term many in government were reluctant to use, a new report from the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) found here https://lnkd.in/gkpQ2PD8 The AHRC report found governments and their departments at all levels had failed to identify racism and were not taking enough action to address it. "If some areas of government are reluctant to use the term 'racism', how can they tackle it?" Commissioner Sivaraman said. The report investigated how Australia's national, state, territory, and local governments have engaged in anti-racism work through their policies and framework over the past five years. The report often revealed their approach was "not good enough," Commissioner Sivaraman said. 'Negatively racialised people don't have power' The AHRC made six recommendations in its report, including developing a nationally recognised definition of racism, and providing anti-racism education in schools. It called for the establishment of a national anti-racism council that would bring together First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) leaders to advise government on strategic directions for policy and programs. The AHRC recommended a national plan to address racism, with a "whole-of-society approach" to coordinate efforts at all levels of government and across all sectors. The report was part of a broader national anti-racism framework to be developed and presented by the Commission to the government. Reconciliation Victoria acting co-chair, Emily Poelina-Hunter, a Nyikina woman, was not surprised by the findings of the report after the "devastating year of racism" last year following the Voice referendum results. Read in full here https://lnkd.in/gePPXWqC Support for Indigenous Australians Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76

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Such an informative and insightful document for the victims and survivors of DV and GBV.

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#MAHI The role of Te Pūkotahitanga Tangata Whenua Ministerial Advisory Group as advisors to the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Hon. Karen Chhour is built on evidential learnings such as this substantial mahi by Professor of Māori Health Denise Wilson. Her recently published book, 'A Litany of Sound Revisited', was designed to be easily accessible and pulled all that was known about family and sexual violence into one place. ➡ Read the book here: https://lnkd.in/gXWP7bfE #FamilyViolence #SexualViolence #TePūkotahitanga #Indigenous

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Here is another interview where I discuss my PhD research to understand Maaori and Pacific men affected by childhood sexual violence. Gratitude to Pasitaua Haufano ✅ at Zeducation for your wonderful, thoughtful and professional interview skills. One of the best interviews I had in 2024!! Zeducation specialises in designing custom training programmes for employers/employees that puts the human at the center while enhancing understanding, retention, and practical skills. Interview: https://lnkd.in/gqymUup2

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Youth in detention continues to rise and with it the financial and social costs to our society. These kids are just distressed assets in which society needs to invest to deliver a better outcome. It requires many approaches and here you get to meet the 'villagers' as they share their experience and discuss a program that has already delivered and now needs to be scaled to address this specific issue. 'Boundaries - Community - Love' - are three things that rarely get discussed in financial circles, but they have a dramatic impact on the results. Register your interest to attend by emailing us at iipconference@wealthofnations.com.au. #impactinvesting #socialimpact #impact #sustainability

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