Minister's Disability Consultative Group

The Minister’s Disability Consultative Group (MDCG) is chaired by the Minister for Disability Services. This group consults and is advised by a range of stakeholders to support and foster an inclusive and accessible Tasmania for people with disability.

Consultations have included:

• Feedback on the development and delivery of related disability services, policy, and programs
• Sharing experiences of people with disability and their carers and families
• Select issues of the Disability Reform Council (or the equivalent)
• Outcomes of the Royal Commission into Disability
• Input into the Australian Disability Strategy

Contact

For more information on MDCG please email disabilitypp@dpac.tas.gov.au


Terms of Reference

Please download this document to read the MDCG's Terms of Reference: Attached document (MS Word)


Members

The MDCG consist of the following members who have lived experience of disability:

Heather Anderson

I have lived in the Hobart area since 2004 after growing up on the north-west coast. From experiencing my own challenges of obtaining access to and support at school, workplaces and the community, I endeavour to seek opportunities to assist Tasmania as a whole to become an accessible and inclusive community for everyone to enjoy.

Ian Barry

Hi, my name is Ian Barry and I currently reside in Devonport, Tasmania. Despite having a disability I am deeply passionate about teaching and am dedicated to helping people understand their rights. I believe that knowledge is empowering and strive to make a positive impact through education and advocacy.

David Cawthorn

David is a paraplegic, based in Hobart and is a member of the following groups: Independent Living Centre Tasmania, Hobart City Council Access Advisory Committee, Disability Voices Tasmania, Hobart Airport Accessibility Advisory Group and Association of Consultants in Access Australia. David’s is a good strong advocate for people with a disability in many areas such as, transport, accessible buildings, housing, hospitality and tourism industry. He does not expect special treatment, just want to be able to access the same services and properties as everyone else does.

Jane Green

I am a Hobart lawyer with lived experience of disability. I had the privilege of working for the ‘Your Story’ Disability Legal Support service to assist people with disability make their submissions to the Disability Royal Commission. The experience of witnessing people find their voices was profoundly humbling. I am in awe of their strength, courage, grace, resilience and compassion. I am eagerly anticipating how the recommendations for change will be met by our governments.

Maree McCulloch

Maree is a registered nurse with over 40 years’ experience in the Tasmanian Health sector. Maree’s specialisation is the care of people living with disability and she is a member of the national executive and life member of PANDDA (Professional Association of Nurses in Developmental Disability Australia Inc).  Maree has worked in health education over the last 25 years and holds a Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education from UTAS. She is currently the Education Manager for the TasTAFE statewide Enrolled Nursing Diploma programme.

Tammy Milne

My name is Tammy Milne and I live in Hobart now after moving here from Devonport last year. I am a wheelchair user and live with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congentia) from birth. I have studied at the University of Tasmania. I am a passionate advocate for PWD. My areas of focus are: education, employment, housing and healthcare, and improving outcomes for people with disability in these areas, but always advocate for any area that needs a voice to improve the lives of people with disability.

David Morrell

David is a person with a disability and a carer. He believes a fair go for each person relies on a fair community for all, and that fairness rests on human rights. He has turned belief into action over 35 years as a professional and volunteer advocate. He is a director at Disability Voices Tasmania, Carers Tasmania and Care2Serve. He also advises the State Emergency Service People With Disabilities Emergency Preparedness Project.

Andrea Ollington
Andrea Ollington was born and raised in Circular Head on the north-west coast of Tasmania. She is a carer for her adult son and has lived experience in navigating the NDIS. Andrea is passionate about creating better outcomes for communities, and in her spare time has sat on several boards over the years. Andrea believes that empowering communities through collaboration can make positive change for people with disabilities, carers, and families.

Adam Quarrell

My name is Adam and have advocated for disabled people for many years from a young age. I grew up with family with disability and for many years worked to support people, however it wasn’t until my mid 30’s that I was confronted with my own physical/neurological disability. I have a small family in Hobart, a degree in Fine Art, and try to keep bonsai plants alive.

Anne Rathjen

Through her lived experience, Anne is an advocate for inclusion. Working for the State Government in Active Tasmania, she focuses on providing investment in sport and recreation. Previously a member of the Kingborough Council Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee, she is passionate about enabling everyone in the community to participate in their environment. With paralympic equestrian aspirations, Anne is aware of the challenges for participating in sport within Tasmania.

Kate Ross

Kate Ross, a person with a communication disability (stutter and deafness), is your friendly neighbourhood social worker and long-time member of the Minister's Disability Advisory Committee. Her personal experiences provide a deep understanding of the importance of engagement and appreciating everyone's inherent humanity. When she's not championing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, you'll find her exploring ancient societies through books, painting, practicing yoga, or walking her energetic staffy, Maya. With her diverse experience in social welfare, Kate's passion lies in creating a Tasmania where everyone's unique abilities and personalities are celebrated, not limited by societal barriers. She believes in a future where disability isn't a limitation, but a testament to our vibrant diversity. Let's join Kate in building a truly inclusive Tassie!

Natasha Street

I am a coffee drinking, people person who lives in Launceston. My interest in disability is very broad but I am passionate about services in Tasmania not being based on a ‘postcode lottery’. I care about enabling people with a disability to maintain their physical, mental and social wellbeing through active involvement in their local community. With a background in education and social work and a lifelong neuro muscular disability, I am a natural advocate who believes we should all be working together for towards a kinder and more inclusive future.

Chris van Essen

Hi, I’m Chris van Essen. I have spent most of my life in Launceston, served 10 years on the board of Citizen Advocacy, 9 years on Minister's Disability Advisory Committee, Launceston Access committee and Launceston safety committee. Now I live on the Northwest coast and I’m a member of Speak Out. I believe that Northwest Tasmania is sometimes forgotten about when it comes to people with disabilities.

Clare Waiss

My journey to disability advocacy began when my son was diagnosed with a disability. I am committed to ensure Felix has access to all therapy, supports, and services available to create a happy, full, and inclusive life. Representation on the Minister’s Disability Consultative Group provides the opportunity to share my experiences as a parent and a registered NDIS service provider, and advocate for the amazing families facing these challenges.

Jane Wardlaw

Jane Wardlaw, a Launceston-based advocate, promotes disabled people's rights to self-determination through systemic advocacy, focusing on embedding human rights in disability practice. She's a board director for a large Tasmanian disability service provider. Jane is undertaking a PhD at the University of Tasmania researching NDIS policy and support coordination practice, including people with neuromuscular conditions—a personal cause, as she and her sisters live with this condition. She strives to work collaboratively to influence legislation, policy, and practice that values disabled people and helps them flourish.