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19 JUNE 2009 AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS MR HOWARD - MR DEBUS . |
Dear
Colleagues |
Last year AASW
President Mr Loone directly made contact and advised me to continuee with AASW membership. Being a member gives you a great
protection as well as many benefits, but we know that. |
I
took his advice and paid membership fees for 2008. It must be some administrative mistake as for the whole year I didn’t
receive any journal, booklet and the rest I was entitled to. So if you investigate this error and found that complain was
justify I believe that part of the fees could be refund. However that’s up to all of you. I trust in your professional
integrity. |
On
19 June 2009 I have paid the membership fees for this year (bill is on my website for your convenience) yet I didn’t
receive any confirmation. Would you please let me know is there any problem or everything goes efficiently as always. This
is my 15th year as a member, my social work friends and I will have a little celebration. Rest of you are welcome |
Kind
regards |
Vesna
sent by email
|
| |
Home / Schools / Humanities and Social Science / Areas of Study / Social Work |
Social Work encompasses a small but very active group of academics engaged in a wide range of teaching, research and community service
activities. |
Study in the area of Social Work began in 1991 and in subsequent years has developed as a model of excellence
in experience based teaching and learning. In this context field education is especially significant as it allows students
test and mould their professional and personal capacities as social workers in training |
For further information contact the Honours convenor Dr Debbie Plath |
As you see everythings the same just social workers turn into convenors |
|
4 Aug 1999 DIRECTOR COUNSELING SERVICE, Social Worker, Ms Bryant. |
REFFERAL
FOR Ms Simundich |
FROM
Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof of SOCIAL WORK, BRIAN ENGLISH |
On 17 January 2000 I emailed President of AASW and Head of Dep of Social Work JO GAHA about PTSD
|
The UNIVERSITY of NEWCASTLE |
17 January 2000 |
DEPARTMENT
OF SOCIAL WORK |
Dear Vesna, I received you letter and attachments of 11 January
2000 this morning. I am not taking over as Third Year Co‑coordinator until May 2000. Debbie Plath remains co‑coordinator
until this time, including placement arrangements. I have passed on your attached documents to Gaha as you requested. Yours
sincerely Allison Rowlands, Lecturer |
Jan/ 11/ 00 Dear Jo Gaha, The documents which I have enclosed, show clearly that I experienced trauma as a result of the interaction with Ms Flynn on
September 1998.The trauma had an enormous affect on my performance at the Centrelink placement '99. The effect of the trauma
was not taken into consideration on my performance during my 2nd placement. I am determined to finish this degree and that
is why I asking you again to give me an opportunity to complete my second placement and enrolled into the 4‑th year,
t1us year. Yours sincerely, Vesna |
The UNIVERSITY of NEWCASTLE |
A U S T R A L I A |
24 January 2000 |
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK |
Allison Rowlands has passed on to me the material you sent to her and I am responding to your request to complete your
second placement and enroll in fourth year this year. The Bachelor of Social Work at Newcastle University is offered as a
degree with a proscribed sequence of subjects, which is approved by the AASW. This proscribed sequence means that it is not
possible for a student to proceed to theory and practice subjects until the prior field education subject has been passed.
In your case this means that you will not be able to proceed to the fourth year theory and practice subjects until SWRK 303 has been passed. This subject is
offered this year and you are eligible to enroll and a placement will be allocated to you along with the other students enrolled
in that subject. Yours sincerely, Jo Gaha Head of Department - Department of social work |
|
NOT just that those 4 women had destroy my family and everything else, NOT just that AASW refuse to pay
compensation I am entitled to BUT to allow those 4 criminals to return publicly to AASW like nothing happened, after
all the damage they did to AASW reputation worldwide not to mention years of abuse that we students of social work were exposed
when in Newcastle University... I am overwhelmed by emails from all over the world, with the questions; Who allow this to
happen? What kind of Government and the Prime Minister you have down-under, where your Government lead your country, how possible
that crime so enormous could be ignored and criminals rewarded? Above all what Australian Association of Social Workers stands
for? What kind of justice is that? What about their professional integrity? |
ONE OF LECTURERS WHO ABUSED STUDENTS IN SOCIAL WORK TOGETHER WITH LIANE
FLYNN WAS JO GAHA |
|
Membership and Benefits |
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2000
10:37AM EST |
From: Amie Grierson <amie130@hotmail.com>
|
To: Gem Cheong - Uni Secretary & Reg |
Subject: ABUSE OF STUDENTS IN DEP OF SOCIAL WORK | |
Dear
Ms Cheong, I am writing in support of the letter from Ms Simundic which is enclosed. I support the statements she has made and the references to myself reflect accurately what has occurred and how I have felt. |
I am extremely distressed at what has happened to Vesna. What has occurred to her in her time at
University in the Social Work Department should never have been allowed to happen. It should never be allowed to happen to
any students at this or any other University. And yet I have felt powerless to assist her. I would urge you to take this
issue extremely seriously and to bring it to the attention of the Vice Chancellor. |
NUSA has identified a huge problem with the conduct of the Social Work Department towards
many of its students. I have interviewed many students this year from the Department, more than any department, and all other Departments combined.
These cases are obviously
confidential but all identify a pattern of feeling abused and having no trust in the professionalism of the Department. They feel violated by the behaviour of
some staff members and once they have complained feel that they have been systematically vilified and abused by the Department. I know that many other
Academics identify that there are enormous issues with the Department,
and I have met with Professor Ramsland who also recognises my concerns. |
I have also met with the fourth year social work class to discuss posters I placed asking students who were feeling aggrieved to come and speak to myself or the Vice President at
NUSA. This, as you would know, is every students right. I feel that there must be a positive
resolution for all students so that they can enjoy and feel safe studying at thisUniversity. I hope that finally some attention will be paid to the issues raised and that they will not be ignored as they have been for so
long. |
Yours Sincerely, Amie Grierson NUSA
President |
|
LIANE FLYNN WOULD ABUSE STUDENT ON A REGULAR BASIS |
IF WE COMPLAINED JO GAHA
WOULD PUBLICLY DEFAME (LABEL) YOU AS "CLINICALLY DISTURBED" AND ABUSE WOULD GO ON |
TWO OF THEM ENJOYED SO MUCH IN THIS CRIME THAT IT WENT "SMOOTHLY" FOR YEARS |
PRESIDENT BOB LONNE IS SCARED IF I RECEIVE COMPENSATION
THAN REST OF ABUSED STUDENTS MIGHT GET THE SAME IDEA, SO WE ARE SORRY FOR VESNA’S RUIN
LIFE AND HER CHILDREN SUFFERING BUT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE |
HE COUNTS HEAVILY ON THE CORRUPT
SUPREME COURT JUDGES AND SO FAR THEY DIDN’T DISAPPOINTED HIM | |
RE: Student of social work - Uni of Newcastle |
From: Freda Briggs [Freda.Briggs@unisa.edu.au] |
Sent: Tuesday, October 30,
2001 5:51 PM |
Subject: RE: Student of social work - Uni of Newcastle ABUSE OF STUDENTS |
Dear Vesna, Thankyou for your letter. I have read the attachment. |
I have been lecturing in tertiary education for 31 years and during that time I have received three students' complaints of abuse. You will
be interested to know that all three
have been in the last 18 months and all three came from Newcastle University. | |
I don'[t think there is anything I can do to help given that it is another university. If you were here, given your migrant
NESB status, you would have access to a student counsellor for students with special
needs as well as access to a Deputy Vice Chancellor for Equal Opportunity. You could get legal advice but, if its possible, I would suggest that you enrol
with another university seeking credit for the subjects completed.. and preferably one with opportunities for distance education |
Yours sincerely (Professor of SOCIAL
WORK) Freda Briggs |
Tuesday 1 July 03
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MEMBERSHIP |
I am member
of AASW for a few years now. I am half way through my degree and would ask someone to
explain me how beneficial for me is to continue with this membership, as one would
assume it will be financially much easier after completion of my degree |
I
have read about benefits regardless membership however I’m not quite sure about this one Provides professional indemnityinsurance and public liability insurance to
all members, including students. |
Why we have to be “insured” by AASW as students? One would assume
that in case anything happens University would pay all the damages Or does it mean that we can ask AASW for support as
well? |
Can anyone reply to me regardless this, please? |
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003
02:10:46 The insurance would cover you on your placements ... |
From: Paulineh@aasw.asn.au
or if you were doing some work as a student social worker |
Subject: insurance Pauline Hill - Administrative Officer CPE | |
The insurance
would cover you on your placements..or
if you were doing some work as a student social worker |
August 18, 2000 PLEASE FORWARD TO V.C. PROF HOLMES |
FAILURE IN THE DUTY OF CARE |
My experience with the Social Work Department in University of Newcastle is traumatic one. I have
two children who will one day enrolled in this University. As a mother, and the student of social work I would not allow my
children to enroll in this degree-from any other reason than fear - that my children would be abused to ABUSE OF POWER (rest of the letter) |
MR HOWARD - MR DEBUS |
POLICY @ NEWCASTLE UNI 2002 |
VS v
UNI |
AASW 1998 |
JO GAHA PRESIDENT
AASW |
LIANE FLYNN DIRECTOR |
KATE BAKER ETHNIC
DIR |
JILL GIBBONS |
DEBBIE PLATH |
ALISON ROWLANDS |
DVC ENGLISH REFERRAL 4AUG 99 |
1st INJURY 16 Aug 99 FLYNN |
2nd INJURY KATE BAKER |
GAHA centrelink defamation 2000 |
3rd INJURY Louise Booth GAHA |
GAHA stolen essay 1st COMPLAIN |
GAHA verbal abuse 18 Aug 00 |
WE REQUST SURVEY 31 Aug 00 |
GAHA stolen essay 2nd COMPLAIN |
GRIEVANCE APPEAL 17 JULY '02 |
|
|
Friday, May 14, 2004 |
TO AU ASS OF SOCIAL WORKERS |
Denise
Scott- |
SUBJECT- COMPENSATION |
Following our brief phone-conversation, please find the following documents that will explain what
has happen to me. Through the documents I have enclosed, you will see that I have taken University to the Administrative Decision
Tribunal (ADT) for the Discrimination I was subject to I wish to address the Disability, Defamatory Statement, Professional Negligence and Psychological
Abuse through AASW,
the organization I belong and was a member when abuse had happen |
1 You have asked me why I did not raise this
allegation before, as two years of the legal acceptance of allegation had pass by |
My answer is
that I did. I made an allegation to the highest authority I could possibly turn to help and that was the (than) President
of AASW Jo Gaha. As allegation was against Ms Lianne Flynn who was the Director of AASW at the time, instead of protection
and appropriate actions – Ms Gaha’s response was one of abuse, defamatory statements, emotional abuse, verbal
assaults and intimidatory behavior following by constant threats against me. When it was clear to her that I was not the victim
who will go silently she had label me as “clinically disturbed and dangerous student”. This criminal act, affected the core of my family and in the end it destroyed us all. All of this was the
reason why I had to remain silent until the people I fear from are removed from the powerful positions they held at AASW |
2. You had advise me to address in my allegation each point where I believe that the social worker/s
involved in abuse had breach the Code of Ethics. Unfortunately I can not do that |
I have read the
‘AASW Code Of Ethics’ number of times and could not find the single Policy that Ms Flynn, Ms Baker and Ms Gaha
did not breach or abuse during my time as a student of social work within the Newcastle University. Their cruelty,
brutality and malice that was placed on me - is too hard to put into the words. It would take me forever to address every
single issue |
Please find the
documents addressed to number of people I have ask for help during this difficult time, including an affidavit handed in to
ADB and ADT as a background material. Those documents will show you what I have gone through, how that affected me and finally
where I am with my life now |
As the individuals
against whom I raised an allegation still works and hold powerful positions (and powerful connection) I need to ask you the
following |
1. I request that none of the
social workers from the Hunter Region should be allow to be part of the Committee that will investigate this allegation
due to luck of trust in members of the Hunter SW Organization |
2. Any response to my allegation
to AASW, I wish to receive only in the written form sent by the post-office. I request that the letter / documents be sent
under the “security mail”. Upon receiving the documents I will confirm that I have received, so the clear communication
between us is acknowledge and any misunderstanding related to “the lost documents” would be avoid before it arises.
I do not wish to receive any phone calls regardless this matter from anybody in AASW |
3. My membership needs to be revenue
in June ‘04. I ask that my membership fees be reduced to the minimum due to the disability and unemployment |
4. I am seeking financial compensation |
5. Allegations are against the
following social workers: |
Jo
Gaha I raise allegation
against Ms Gaha for her failure to protect me from abuse, for labeling me as mentally ill and dangerous, for making defamatory
statements about me, for being the leader in charge of a plot against me in an effort to destroy me and save the reputation
of her department and AASW |
Deb
Plath I raise
allegation against Ms Plath for being ignorant towards the information I have disclose to her about Ms Flynn, for not addressed
my disability on a professional way. The irony was that in the same time Ms Plath was the Director of the Disability Service
at Newcastle University |
Alison
Rowlands I raise
allegation against Ms Rowlands for her failure to act professionally, for using her extensive knowledge of a social worker
against me – the trauma victim and created the crisis situations she knew I would not be able to overcome without her
help |
Kate
Baker I raise
allegation against Ms Baker for her cruelty towards me and towards the patients – she ‘used’ - making the
placement under her supervision extremely difficult. I firmly believe that Ms Baker acted towards me in an unspeakable manner
just to protect Ms Flynn. She was hoping that I would ‘break down’ and disappear from social work. Her cruelty
affected my health enormously and affected my two children permanently. Of the entire struggle I have had in my years of being
student at Newcastle University, interaction with Ms Baker was the hardest one. I have no words to describe the way I was terrorize by this woman -
nor the words to express how concern I was witnessing how she used and treat her patients |
I was constantly
“served” with the wrong educational advices (on patients expenses), I was daily ridiculed on the basis of my knowledge
of English Language. I have left the placement highly suicidal. Of all social workers I have met – Kate Baker was the
cruelest one |
Finally: I do not raise allegation against Ms Lianne Flynn. My firm belief is
that this woman needs professional help, for her own benefit and benefit of all individuals (students and the clients) she
might come in contact with. The feeling I hold towards Ms Flynn is nothing else than the disappointment, the sad feeling of
what she has became |
I ask you to
take responsibility for her mental health, to provide her with the professional help she urgently needs. I see Ms Flynn now
clearly as a very dangerous and sick individual. The hazard is that Ms Flynn refuses to see herself that way, she refuses
to accept that she needs professional assistance and above all that her quality of work is far below the standard acceptable
for this profession. I have a moral duty to inform AASW that I am concern about
the students and the patients who might come in contact with her |
I am concern
for all those clients who might put their vulnerable lives in her hands expecting professional help – something I firmly
believe, Ms Flynn is no longer capable to offer |
Finally, what
will happen with those individuals I have raised allegation against – is up to all of you, the social workers. If you
can trust them to continue practice and above all to continue to be members of AASW – that is up to all of you. I believe
that all of them should be suspended from AASW, and not allowed to practice as social workers ever again |
As a member of AASW,
former student and former social worker in training I need to request only one policy to be implement in my case. I request
that you act and make decision towards those individuals and towards me following the CODE OF ETHICS. I believe I do not ask
for too much, I am awaiting your response
/ my membership was
extended for another year however I did not receive response |
COMPENSATION I AM ENTITLED TO HAVE Prof BOB LONNE NATIONAL PRESIDENT |
It is important to remind
members of their rights and responsibilities regarding Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance and that
both policies come automatically with membership |
Public Liability cover is for $20,000,000 any one claim. This policy provides protection for members who inadvertently injure
someone or damage any property in the course of acting as a Social Worker. |
Professional Indemnity provides cover
of $5,000,000 any
one claim in the event of members being sued for providing “negligent” advice, including failure to act. |
Professional Indemnity policies
are “claims made policies” |
1 PERSONAL INJURY 2 DEFAMATION 3
BREACH OF CONTRACT, |
4
BREACH OF DUTY OF CARE,
5 WRONG
EDUCATIONAL ADVICE |
|
As a member of AASW, former student and former social worker in training I need to
request only one policy to be implement in my case. I request that you act and make decision towards those individuals and
towards me following the CODE OF ETHICS. I believe I do not ask for too much, I am awaiting your response / my membership was extended for another year however I did not receive response |
|
Sent: Friday, November 24,
2006 |
Subject: CODE OF ETHICS |
From: v s |
To: julie1973@optusnet.com.au ; nadine.meredith@email.cs.nsw.gov.au ; sara.burrett@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
; b.lonne@uq.edu.au |
Cc: naomi@shoal.net.au ; aymanqasem1@hotmail.com ; Rhonda.Coles@community.nsw.gov.au
; kate.martin@aasw.asn.au ; aaswnat@aasw.asn.au |
. KEVIN RUDD- BOB DEBUS...... |
I ask all of you to visit my website If is anything unclear, please contact me by email. Than I ask you to ACT
according to the Code of Ethics written by Kate Baker. The Code of Ethics is the Principles upon we act and work. You are
there to set an example. |
Once, Ms Gaha tried to justify her
criminal behavior in front of class full of students:" I JUST did what was expected from me". Now WE ASK ALL OF YOU to do
the same. |
Please do what we expect from you - we ask you to act
by the AASW Code of Ethics. I did my part. I have reported the crime and I pass
my evidence and concerns to all of you. It's your turn now |
RESPONSE
|
RE - Hi Vesna Thanks for your email |
Would you please summarise the points from your website that you wish me to consider? Ta, Naomi | |
IN NOVEMBER 2006
PHONE CONVERSATION AASW PETER RICHARDSON |
They told me theres some problem about my membership and
they will investigate what the problem is, than they will call me. As I did not hear from Membership officer I called him
directly at his office. The following conversation took place |
I did not hear from you regardless my request
for membership. I am member from 94 and every year I pay for another year to be member, what is the problem this year,
except that all of you now know about my website and personal injury? |
Peter Richardson
(peterr@aasw.asn.au)- Well, my decision is to terminate your membership. You have to provide from University of Newcastle
statement when did you leave social work and when you will return. When I receive that I will reinstall your membership. |
Why should be terminated, why don’t you wait until I obtain copy of the statement
you seek from me? |
No we cannot do that. It has to be this way. However, WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE MEMBER OF AASW? |
Why I want to be member? I am member from 1994 and every year my membership
is extended and nobody ever asked me why I want to be member? As long as I am paying fees and needed nothing from you I was
fine however now when you have access to my website and I disclose my disability to President of AASW - you ask me why? |
Well I have to know the reason. |
You do? |
Yes |
Lets say it I am thinking to seek compensation from the Association I belong to? What do you think about this? |
Well, I first need to talk to Sue Beach (few days after he
talked with Sue Beach the
PEST POLICY was published) |
Why would
you talk with Sue Beach, she
is not a social worker and is not a member of AASW? |
Well,
that’s what I will do. Please provide the statement I seek from you and I will extend your membership. I will not
go in any further discussion about this with you on this occasion, Bye. |
Few days later I was
told that my membership is permanently terminated |
Gaha's POLICY 2003 |
29 Nov '03 GAHA |
Policy 03
|
2003 INSURANCE |
Info |
Log in |
04 May COMPENSATION |
NO REPLY FROM AASW |
INSURANCE 2005 |
TERMINATION |
TO AASW NOV 2006 |
INFO
PLEASE 2006 |
THE PEST POLICY |
ABUSE 2001 Oct
30 |
GAHA'S APPEAL 2002 |
'THE PEST POLICY' |
New legal harassment laws |
start today |
Issued: Mon
1 December 08 |
when personal becomes politrical |
People who habitually use the court system to pursue unreasonable law suits and intimidate others will be subject
to new legislation which comes into force today. | |
Email: AASW
civicinsurance@bigpond.com |
With this email I will
send you an attachment.I had contact AASW on a number of occasions, surprisingly; I’m faced with silence. Its
unclear to me why 'my colleagues' don’t wish to assist me - insurance is the body who will cover me - not my fellow
social workers. Yet they still behave like they would pay from their own pockets. The last contact resulted in this |
Subject: RE: membersip
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 12:14:11 +1100 Hi Vesna, Could you please provide
a letter from the University stating that you are on LEAVE OF ABSENCE and how long it will be? After receiving this confirmation
I will reinstate your membership. Membership Officer |
ALTHOUGH I WAS MEMBER FROM
1998 UNTIL 2006 WHEN I ASK PRESIDENT FOR ASSISTANCE and provided the letter MY MEMBERSHIP WAS TERMINATED. |
Please find attachment encl and if
you can contact me ASAP. I understand that even before any compensation received I'm entitled to financial
assistance as my working Centrelink Capability Assessment is 8 hours per week and I'm struggling
with money Yours sincerely Vesna | |
Peter Richardson EXECUTIVE OFFICER BA Rec BSW MSW(HSM) MAASW(Acc) Australian
Association of Social Workers P.O. Box 4956, KINGSTON ACT 2604 www.aasw.asn.au |
NOT LONG AFTER, PRESIDENT OF AASW MR BOB LONNE PERSONALLY MADE
CONTACT WITH ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT MR RICHARDSON LEFT HIS POSITION. I WAS ENCOURAGED
TO EXTEND MY MEMBERSHIP - WHICH I DID |
|
Friday, 27 April 2007 |
To: Rudd, Kevin (MP) |
Subject ALPconference |
I have seen your speech on sky NEWS this morning at 10am I am rarely moved by speech of Politicians however
your speech was very powerful If you lied about what you've said - than go ahead and live with that What goes around comes
around If you were honest indeed and you comments about a 'fair go' for hard (no matter from where they came from) working
people were genuine than there is a hope... I wish you all the best Vesna |
Thursday, 3 May 2007 |
To v_e_s_n_a@msn.com |
RE: ALP conference |
FROM Kevin
Rudd |
Thank you for your email regarding my speech at conference. I appreciate you
taking the time to drop me a line Voters are only just getting to know us, know what our ideas are and what we stand for. It
is going to be a difficult road to election and we very much need to keep working hard to present the country with a
great alternative that will provide a robust fairer and just Australia Kind
regards, Kevin
Rudd / Federal Labor Leader
/ Member for Griffith |
Subject: insurance
Pauline Hill - Administrative Officer CPE | |
New Prime Minister Mr Kevin Rudd introduced his new LABOR Cabinet |
Not long after that,
Julia Gillard presenting our new Government went public:" Our decision regardless, lost jobs,
payments and etc, etc we will deal with those issue as promised immediately. |
However
unlawful termination is not on our priority list,
we will deal with that sometimes next year around April, May 2008. Maybe" | |
|
U ASK? Ok Guys, thank you for giving me time to think about this.
I might be wrong but however I look at this abuse I could come with only one conclusion – this ABUSE has nothing to do with any of you. I was the target. So please try not to panic. Considering what has been done and who did it; former President of AASW Gaha,
Director of AASW Flynn and Ethical Director of AASW Baker, you can imagine how much money I am entitled to have in compensation.
This was updated on Australian Association of Social
Workers web site. |
Indemnity and Insurance
2006-2007 PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY
INSURANCE SCHEME |
However we know attitude of
NSW judicial body towards victims of crime. In their eyes we are not worth to receive what we are entitled to. So the pest policy and this abuse of student
with psychiatrist injury was warning. NSW Gov cant allow this case to proceed as publicly they stole from me University compensation.
AASW now expect the same service and they don’t care how it will be done. |
This was sent to Insurance Company but they keep ignoring me. |
|
|
EFFECT
OF ABUSE CENTRELINK Job Capacity Assessment on 24/06/08 | |
I was abused by social worker Ms Liane
Flynn (former lecturer in the University of Newcastle in September 1998.I had placement in the Royal Newcastle Hospital and she was my field educator.
Ms Flynn lives in Newcastle, NSW, with her wife social worker Ms Kat Wood. Ms Flynn is Director of Department of Child Protection.
This criminal abused many students and her actions that left so many students traumatized were never properly investigated. |
This DOCUMENT was in my folder in the Registry and NSW Gov know about this. Phillips Fox and university were informed as well. I have sent the same to PM John
Howard, complaining about process of settlement that I found frightening, To
my knowledge PM Howard was not happy with what 'has been done' and he personally express his dissatisfaction to NSW Att General
Hon Bob Debus. My understanding was that Hon Mr. Debus didn’t accept PM Howard’s feedback and has resigned the
following week. (This is what has been told to me - I apologize if this is not correct) |
In the Mission employment, an agency that ‘works’ with
the Centrelink, I was given Lorna the most experienced caseworker; one highly professional woman, who apart from being
very skilled in what she is doing; was smart and (to my fortune) a really nice person. Before coming to our first meeting
I gave her my web address and asked her to ‘take a look’ what I have been through and how that affected my life
and ability to look for work. Although not being her job when we meet it was clear that this woman read every medical report,
all the documents related to my disability and was here to help I told her how important for me is to have one person; I am
victim of crime, ill-treated by female social worker, behind closed door, lecturer who abused her position and victimized
many students for years, rather than different caseworker every time I had to come, which she understood |
My doctor recommended a ‘break’ from all the stresses;
including looking for work, that I obviously cant do now. After long interview she agreed with him, she could not find job
for me; I was not fit to look for work. She made specific recommendation; based on her
opinion and my request that (due to my disability) I should have the same psychologist who I had last year, someone familiar
who I felt comfortable with because I don’t cope with the ‘new events’ people I don’t know and unpredictable
situations very well. All of that create stress that I should avoid so, she put that writing, and sent her recommendation to Centrelink |
CENTRELINK DISABILITY OFFICER | On the meeting with the
Centrelink
disability officer,
I requested the same- psychologist I knew just not the social worker or someone
I don’t know. The disability officer (who was familiar with my website and new about my situation)understood
my request and promised; she will make sure that there would be no changes I will have the same psychologist whose job was
to agree (or not) with my doctor and the mission employment officer and make recommendation related to employment The meeteng
was scheduled for 9AM and to my recollection I was there on time. |
CENTRELINK
JOB ASSESSMENT |
The woman who called my name was someone I have never met before, who introduced herself as a
mental health nurse |
I asked her why this change had taken a place; I have disability and the only one request; no
stressful events, that she as a mental health nurse should understand |
mhn
Well the psychologist you requested had a meeting yesterday, so she couldn't come |
[What yesterday had with today?] Why she didn’t contact me, email me.. that’s something
she is supposed to do? |
mhn Well I don’t know |
Why nobody from Centrelink didn’t contact me and told me about those changes? |
mhn I don’t know. |
When we had enter the room she tried to close the door. I told her that the door will stay open;
I have disability, cant breath behind closed doors and if she was ready for this interview she should know
that |
mhn I just thought we would have
more privacy |
I politely told her that my decision is not to be private person and the door had to be open.
All of this I found very stressful and despite being a strong person I started to cry. I just didn’t have energy to
explain all over again about social work, who had injured me, what are the consequences I suddenly felt so tired. I told her
briefly that Lianne Flynn badly treated me when I was her student, which resulted in PTSD |
mhn So you are on medication, what
kind of medication? |
All of that was in my folder in front of her, medical reports, the court affidavits and the address
of my website |
mhn What did you do in your country
of origin? |
I was executive secretary for one large firm. |
mhn How are
you coping with all of this, what is the hardest to deal with? |
The hardest is being separate from my family, from my children. My
older daughter went overseas because she could not cope with all what has happened to me and I did not see her from 05. My
younger daughter declined in health and academically and I feel responsible for all what’s happened to them. The hardest
part is grief and loss - I lost my family. |
mhn Maybe you will have a new a
family |
I didn’t feel comfortable talking with this woman who sow my
‘family’ as a worn shoes that could be replaced by new one. I didn’t trust her; I just didn’t wish
to be there, so I told her that I do not want a new family. I want my family |
mhn So your court case is finalised? |
I told her where my legal matter is now and that was my only comment
related to legal issue. |
mhn I will make recommendation
regardless your employment | |
I didn’t feel comfortable with what has happened. I asked Centrelink officer to explain
to me, why this woman took over my case? Why nobody notified me about changes and I requested that she check on computer about
my request for appointment. I felt let down. She confirmed that my request was on computer but she could not explain to me
how this mistake could happen. I asked her to contact psychologist I was suppose to have and seek
explanation from her in writing, to be sent to me. I also lodge request under the FoIA to have copy of today’s
assessment I sent complain to Att. Gen Hatzistergos who forward to Centrelink Minister. Few days later I
received a phone call. |
CENTRELINK COMPLAINING OFFICER |
It was a very interesting conversation and off course he was defending
Centrelink (Centrelink pays -not me) but the highlight of our conversation was when I explain that everything was on computer,
the reason why I need to have psychologist I know, why cant be any surprises and if there’s some change I should be
notify ASAP. He has evidence of what I am saying in front of him, couldn’t deny any of my
allegation related to what has happened. He was quiet for a while,... Than he said: What do
you think WHO DID THIS TO
YOU? |
C E N T R E L I N K INJURY 08 |
CONSEQUENCES; EMOTIONAL ABUSE OF PERSON WITH PSYCHIATRIC INJURY MUST HAVE AN IMPACT ON AN ALREADY DAMAGED HEALTH. I
WAS FIGHTING NOT TO HAVE THIS ON MY RECORD FOR TWO YEARS, AS THE WORD DISABILITY GREATLY
DISCRIMINATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND EVERY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES BUT DIDN’T HAVE THE CHOICE |
PUBLIC RESPONSE vs
INJURY |
After the meeting with Centrelink regional Manager, when she saw what has been done and
her investigation related to incident that didn’t provide any logical explanation, even she couldn’t understand
what's happened. It was obvious to me that this was job for Police Investigation and that the emotional abuse I was subject
in NSW had SPREAD to 'FEDERAL LEVEL'. More and more government institutions are involved. I was
greatly distresses and went to see my GP. He felt that "He had to protect me" from external stresses that can only further
exacerbate injury imputed by Newcastle UNI. So I'm now on disability pension for another 2 years. I do not feel safe to go
anywhere; talk to anyone, I do not feel safe in my own hometown, In my own state and now in my own country |
It was clear that this crime fall into category: "NOT to be open"
so I tried myself to find some answers.I was faced with the wall of silence. Finally
I received email from the counselor I was suppose to have |
Dear Vesna, I am writing in regards to the circumstances
surrounding your Job Capacity Assessment on 24/06/08. Unfortunately I was not made aware of the referral, and your request
to see me, until the afternoon prior to your appointment, after it had already been booked to another assessor (Bronwyn).
I was scheduled to attend a Centrelink Agreement Consultative Workshop on 24/06/08 from 9am - 1pm, Terefore was unable to
conduct your appointment at the time it was booked for. I alerted Bronwyn to the situation, and attempts were made to contact
you by phone on the afternoon of 23/06/08 and morning of 24/06/08 in order to offer you an opportunity to reschedule your
appointment. Unfortunately these attempts were unsuccessful. I apologise for any additional stress this situation has caused
Yours sincerely Liz Registered Psychologist/ Job Capacity Assessment Team |
I was employed right where Liz works, doing the same job (as a social worker in training) So I
know what’s happen when request of this nature arrives, what she was suppose to do and how she was suppose to act. Its clear that she was instructed what to do and what to write Shame, because she is really one nice girl. |
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