ANNUAL REPORT

Key International and National Projects, Activities and Achievements

1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) ‘Annual Report: Key International and National Projects, Activities and Achievements - 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016’. WWDA, December 2016, Hobart, Tasmania. Copyright.

Contact

Winner, National Human Rights Award 2001Winner, National Violence Prevention Award 1999Winner, Tasmanian Women's Safety Award 2008Certificate of Merit, Australian Crime & Violence Prevention Awards 2008Nominee, French Republic's Human Rights Prize 2003Nominee, UN Millennium Peace Prize for Women 2000

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)PO Box 407, Lenah Valley Tasmania 7008 AUST Ph: +61 438 535 123 E: carolyn@wwda.org.auW: www.wwda.org.au FB: www.facebook.com/WWDA.AustraliaTwitter: https://twitter.com/WWDA_AUContact: Carolyn Frohmader, Executive Director

Disclaimer Statement

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) and not necessarily those of the funding body.

All possible care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in this document. WWDA disclaims any liability for the accuracy and sufficiency of the information and under no circumstances shall be liable in negligence or otherwise in or arising out of the preparation or supply of any of the information aforesaid.

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without written permission from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA).Non-WWDA logos and trademarks are © their respective owners.

© 2016 Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA).

2

Content

s1. ABOUT WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES AUSTRALIA (WWDA)...............................................................4

2. ABOUT THIS ANNUAL REPORT............................................................................................................6

3. WWDA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2015-2016..................................................................................7

4. WWDA STAFF 2015-2016....................................................................................................................... 8

5. WWDA PRESIDENTS REPORT 2015-2016............................................................................................9

6. WWDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT 2015-2016.......................................................................11

7. WWDA FINANCIAL REPORT 2015-2016..............................................................................................21

3

1. ABOUT WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES AUSTRALIA (WWDA)Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is the award winning, national Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) for women and girls with all types of disability in Australia. WWDA was established in 1995 as a small, independent non-government organisation (NGO) run by women with disability for women with disability. Over the past 20 years, WWDA has grown from a small group of disabled women concerned primarily with building individual confidence and self-esteem, to an internationally respected DPO enabling and representing the collective interests of women and girls with disability and promoting and advancing their rights and freedoms.

WWDA operates as a transnational human rights organisation – meaning that our work, and the impact of our work, extends much further than Australia. As a DPO, WWDA is managed and run by women with disability, for women and girls with disability. WWDA represents more than two million disabled women and girls in Australia, has affiliate organisations and networks of women with disability in most States and Territories of Australia, and is internationally recognised for our global leadership in advancing the human rights of women and girls with disability.

WWDA’s work is grounded in a human rights based framework which links gender and disability issues to a full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. It is this holistic, comprehensive human rights framework that WWDA works from and within, to promote and advance the human rights of women and girls with disability. Importantly, utilising this holistic framework in all aspects of our work enables us to demand accountability from Governments and other duty bearers in relation to recognising and addressing the violations of human rights experienced by women and girls with disability.

As the DPO for women and girls with all types of disability in Australia, WWDA is the recognised coordination point between Government/s and other stakeholders, (both nationally and internationally) for expertise, advice, collaboration, consultation and engagement with women and girls with disability in Australia.

WWDA is a founding member of Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPO Australia) – formerly known as the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA). DPO Australia is an alliance of four national disabled people’s organisations (DPO’s) in Australia. The key purpose of DPOA is to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia by working collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes and strategic priorities and opportunities.

The key purpose of WWDA is to promote and advance the human rights and freedoms of women and girls with disability. Our goal is to be a national voice for the rights of women and girls with disability and a national force to improve the lives and life chances of women and girls with disability.

The key objectives of WWDA are to:

actively promote the participation of women and girls with disability in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life;

advocate on issues of concern to women and girls with disability in Australia; and seek to be the national representative organisation for women and girls with disability in

Australia by: undertaking systemic advocacy; providing policy advice; undertaking research; and, providing information and education.

4

Underpinning WWDA’s work, and implicit in WWDA's Strategic direction, is a commitment to the principles that inform the human rights based approach to our work:

Universality & inalienability:Human rights are universal and inalienable, the entitlement of all people everywhere in the world. An individual cannot voluntarily give them up. Nor can others take them away.

Indivisibility:Human rights are indivisible. Whether civil, cultural, economic, political or social, they are all inherent to the dignity of every person. Consequently, all human rights have equal status.

Interdependence:The realisation of one right often depends, wholly or in part, on the realisation of others.

Equality & non-discrimination:All individuals are equal as human beings, and by virtue of the inherent dignity of each person, are entitled to their rights without discrimination of any kind.

Participation and inclusion:All people have the right to participate in and access information relating to the decision-making processes that affect their lives and well-being.

Accountability:States and other duty-bearers are answerable for the observance of human rights. This includes both positive obligations to protect, promote and fulfil human rights, as well as negative obligations to abstain from rights violations.

For more information about Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Visit the WWDA website: http://www.wwda.org.au Follow WWDA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WWDA.Australia Follow WWDA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WWDA_AU

5

2. ABOUT THIS ANNUAL REPORTThis Annual Report provides a summary snapshot of just some of WWDA’s key projects and activities at the international and national level for the financial year reporting period 1st July 2015 – 30th June 2016.

The Report demonstrates the breadth, scope and high standard of WWDA’s work, on a wide rage of initiatives and programs, across all portfolio areas and across jurisdictions. Our Annual Report clearly demonstrates and reflects WWDA’s commitment to promoting and advancing the rights and freedoms of women and girls with disability – both within Australia and around the world. Our Annual Report also reflects the human rights based approach from which we operate.

It is outside the scope of this Report to do justice to the work of WWDA during the reporting period July 2015 – June 2016. However, in compiling this summary report, we have endeavoured to give our members, supporters and funders a synopsis of just some of the key activities our organisation has undertaken, and has been engaged in, as part of our efforts to promote the rights of all women and girls with disability.

Further detail of WWDA’s work can be found on our extensive website at www.wwda.org.au

6

3. WWDA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2015-2016

Rayna LambWWDA President

(resigned May 2016)Karen Swift

Co- Vice-PresidentActing President May-June

2016

El GibbsCo- Vice-President

(resigned June 2016)

Pamela MenereTreasurer

Iva StrnadovaCommittee Member

Bonnie MillenCommittee Member

Margherita CoppolinoCommittee Member

Jen HargravesCommittee Member

(resigned 2016)

7

4. WWDA STAFF 2015-2016PERMANENT STAFF

Carolyn FrohmaderExecutive Director

(Full time)Christopher Brophy

Director, Strategic Communications(Part time 2 days a week)

PART TIME PROJECT STAFF

Cashelle DunnManager WWDA Youth Network(2 days a week to June 2017)

Cristina RicciDirector, Strategic Policy and

Programs(14hrs per week to August 2016)

8

5. WWDA PRESIDENTS REPORT 2015-2016BY KARIN SWIFT

As always, WWDA has achieved some great things this year, both nationally and internationally, despite many challenges to the organisation due to limited capacity and funding and ongoing uncertainty around our future. Our Executive Director, Carolyn Frohmader, has very capably managed our organisation despite professional and personal adversity – including ongoing health challenges and significant ongoing challenges following the loss of her home in the Tasmanian bushfires of January 2013.

Carolyn will be reporting on some of key outcomes and achievements during the reporting period (1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016), so I won’t duplicate these in my report. Rather, I would like to use my Report to say some thankyou’s and also to reassure our members and supporters that despite funding uncertainty and difficult times, our work to promote and protect the human rights

of women and girls with disability will continue into the future with as much commitment and dedication as ever.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that WWDA has one paid full time paid employee, (our Executive Director), one part-time Director of Strategic Communications (Chris Brophy) and a part-time Project Officer (Cashelle Dunn) whose employment with WWDA is dependent on securing Project funding. WWDA has a Board of Management made up of women with disability from around Australia who volunteer their time to the organisation. Although we currently receive just $300,000 per year in operational funding from the Australian Government (until end June 2017), we still manage to undertake work that is ground-breaking, cutting edge and critically acclaimed. As Acting President, I am obviously extremely proud of our organisation and what we achieve on such limited resources, however, it remains obvious that WWDA’s funding situation remains inequitable and unsustainable. WWDA is held in high esteem by our government for our work and the integrity of our work, but we are yet to see that esteem translate into funding and resources commensurate with the work we do.

First and foremost, on behalf of the WWDA Management Committee and WWDA’s members and allies, I would like to thank our Executive Director, Carolyn Frohmader, for her extraordinary dedication and commitment to our organisation. For almost 20 years, Carolyn has given above and beyond the call of duty to WWDA, and this past year has been no exception. Carolyn has had to work under the most difficult circumstances, yet has still managed to lead our organisation with dignity, professionalism and grace. Her work, on and behalf of our members, is always of the highest standard, and she steadfastly refuses to compromise on the standard and integrity of work in the name of WWDA.

I would of course, like to formally recognise and acknowledge the WWDA Management Committee for their ongoing commitment and efforts over the past year. It has been a particular difficult year for the WWDA Board and staff, with three members of our Management Committee stepping down from the Board, including our former President Rayna Lamb. We wish Rayna, Jen Hargraves and El Gibbs all the best for their future, and thank them for the contribution they made to WWDA during their time as Board members.

I would like to acknowledge with thanks, the many contributions our members make to the work and success of WWDA. Whether it is through representing WWDA at national or international conferences and events; on state or national boards or committees; contributing

Karin Swift

9

to our discussion lists, Facebook page, website and twitter; or sharing with us your lived experiences of being women with disability, we highly value your contribution. It is, after all, the lived experiences of women and girls with disability that inform and direct the work we do, so thank you for your efforts, support and dedication.

And finally, I would like to acknowledge the Australian Department of Social Services (DSS) for providing WWDA with our operational grant of $300,000 per annum. We are also appreciative of the project funding we received from the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to implement our national Project ‘Strengthening the Voice of WWDA and Women with Disability’, and also the project funding we received from Medibank Health Solutions (MHS) to enable us to implement the National Project “Improving Service Responses for Women with Disability Experiencing Violence: 1800RESPECT”.

Karin SwiftWWDA President (Acting)

10

6. WWDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT 2015-2016BY CAROLYN FROHMADER

As many WWDA members and supporters would be aware, WWDA receives our operational funding from the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services (DSS). In early 2014, DSS made significant reforms to the model and funding arrangements for disability peak representation in Australia. In July 2014, as part of these major reforms, WWDA was required to apply through an open public tender process, for our future operational funding. Our public tender application was successful and our funding contract was finalised by DSS in March 2015. WWDA’s contract with DSS is for a two-year period for the amount of $300,000 per year, and ceases at the end of June 2017. WWDA has been advised by DSS that there will be a ‘review’ of the current model and funding arrangements for disability peak representation and this review will be completed prior to December 2016. WWDA therefore has no certainty or guarantee of ongoing Government funding after June 2017.

Despite the uncertainty of WWDA’s funding into the future, our organisation has worked incredibly hard during the reporting period (1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016) to produce quality work that is highly regarded throughout Australia and overseas. Our work over the 12-month funding period to end June 2016 at both national and international levels has had great impact and resulted in significant achievements and successes. Our increased online presence through social media networks and online activism, has substantially raised our profile and contributed to the increased demand for our expertise and advice to a wide range of stakeholders. WWDA has worked extensively at the domestic and international levels on a wide rage of initiatives to advance the human rights and freedoms of women and girls with disability. It is outside the scope of this report to detail the scope and breadth of WWDA’s work and outcomes during 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016, but I feel proud to be able to report on just some examples of our activities for the funding period.

National Forum for Women and Girls with Disability

One of many highlights for WWDA during 2015-2016 was our National Forum for Women and Girls with Disability, held in Melbourne in April 2016. Almost 50 women with disability from all around Australia, along with their support persons, assistance animals, language and communication interpreters, attended the National Forum. The Forum was also attended by representatives from the Australian Government, the National Women’s Alliances, along with Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash (Minister for Women) and Ms Georgie Crozier, (Victorian Shadow Minister for Families and Children; Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family Violence; and Shadow Minister for Women). Supports were made available to all attendees to ensure that the Forum was inclusive, meaningful and empowering for all women and girls with disability. Extensive work was undertaken in the planning phase of the Forum to ensure that the Forum event modelled and showcased best practice in accessibility and inclusion.

The National Forum was held to support women and girls with disability from around Australia to identify the issues that affect them, identify solutions, prioritise actions, and engage actively and directly with representatives from the Australian Government on issues relevant to Australian women and girls with disability. Proceedings and outcomes from the Forum are also informing the development of WWDA’s five-year Strategic Plan and priorities for 2017 to 2021. All aspects of the planning, organising and implementation of the Forum were undertaken by WWDA staff with in-kind support provided by Medibank. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Cashelle, Chris and Cristina, who all worked above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the Forum was a success.

Carolyn Frohmader

11

WWDA Life Membership Awards

A wonderful highlight of the National Forum for Women and Girls with Disability was the presentation of WWDA Life Membership Awards to two amazing women with disability who have done so much to advance the human rights of all women and girls with disability. Karin Swift (a member of WWDA for more than two decades, a former WWDA President, Vice-President, and Acting President) and Jules Anderson (an amazing human rights activist who was instrumental in securing the Senate Inquiry into Violence Against People with Disability in Institutional Settings) were both awarded their WWDA Life Membership Certificates by Senator Cash and myself.

Ministerial Launch of the WWDA Youth Network

A major highlight and achievement for WWDA during the reporting period was the establishment and formal Ministerial Launch of the WWDA Youth Network. On Thursday 30th July the [then] Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash in conjunction with WWDA officially launched the WWDA Youth Network at the Australian Human Rights Commission in Sydney. Minister Cash formally launched the network and applauded the WWDA Youth Network for creating a platform that supports young women with a disability to participate fully in economic, social and political life. The event was widely promoted and accessible.

Online mechanisms to engage girls and young women with disability have been developed by the WWDA Youth Network and include the WWDA Youth Network website, Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms. During the reporting period the WWDA Youth Network website (http://youth.wwda.org.au) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WWDAyouth/) have been regularly updated with important information for girls and young women with disability. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of Cashelle Dunn, Manager of the WWDA Youth Network, for her extraordinary efforts in taking the WWDA Youth Network from an idea to a program that is beginning to attract worldwide attention as a model for engagement with and provision of information for, young women and girls with disability.

Australian Senate Inquiry into Violence, Abuse and Neglect against People with Disability in Institutional and Residential Settings

In August 2015, WWDA led the work of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA)1 (of which WWDA is a founding member), in it’s submission and evidence to the Australian Senate Inquiry into Violence, Abuse and Neglect against People with Disability in Institutional and Residential Settings. Written by myself and Therese Sands (PWDA), for an on behalf of the ACDA, the detailed submission represented the culmination of more than two decades of people with disability and their allies campaigning and advocating for a national, independent inquiry to investigate violence and abuse against people with disability in institutional and residential settings. ACDA made 30 recommendations in the Submission. In late August, I led the ACDA delegation to provide evidence to the Inquiry Senate Committee at a hearing in Sydney. I wrote and presented the Opening statement to the Senate Committee on behalf of the ACDA, and along with the other ACDA delegates, provided detailed evidence to the Committee during a two-hour witness appearance. The final report of the Senate Inquiry was publicly released on 25 November 2015, and included extensive material from both the ACDA written Submission and the evidence provided by the ACDA at the public hearing. Critically, the final report picked up the majority of the ACDA recommendations, including for example, the call for a Royal Commission into violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability in Australia; and the establishment of an independent national statutory watchdog to protect, investigate and enforce findings regarding violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability.

1 The ACDA is an alliance of four national Disabled People’s Organisations (organisations made up of and led by people with disability). The ACDA was founded by, and is made up of the First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN); the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA), People with Disability Australia (PWDA) and Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA). The ACDA model was selected by the Australian Government as the preferred model for peak representation of people with disability. The ACDA was subsequently funded by the Australian Government to be the recognised coordinating point between Government/s and other stakeholders, for consultation and engagement with people with disability in Australia. The key purpose of the ACDA is to promote, protect and advance the human rights and freedoms of people with disability in Australia by working collaboratively on areas of shared interests, purposes and strategic priorities and opportunities.

12

National Youth with Disability Forum & the Global ‘WE DECIDE’ Program

Another key highlight for WWDA during the reporting period was our work to plan, organise and host the National Youth with Disability Forum, which was held in Melbourne on 6 November 2015, and attended by 14 young people with disability from around Australia, aged between 15 and 25 years. Again, all aspects of the planning, organising and implementation of the National Youth with Disability Forum were undertaken by WWDA staff (Cashelle, Chris and myself) and involved extensive work to showcase and ensure accessibility and inclusion for all attendees.

The National Youth with Disability Forum was held as part of an exciting and innovative global project being established by the United Nations, to improve the human rights of young people with disability worldwide – particularly their sexual and reproductive rights and their right to freedom from violence. The global project is being coordinated and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with support from Family Care International (FCI), and has been funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). WWDA has been working with the UNFPA and FCI to provide expert advice and assistance to set up and implement the Project, which is expected to run for four years. Part of the planning and establishment phase of the global project included developing the promotional campaign for the entire project.

The National Youth with Disability Forum included developing the promotional campaign for the global project. This included for example, developing logos, slogans, branding and campaign messages to be used throughout the four-year global project. It was a wonderful achievement for WWDA and the young people with disability in Australia (who contributed their ideas at the National Youth with Disability Forum) that the UNFPA formally adopted our proposed logo and name for the Global Program – the logo was developed by WWDA from information provided by the young people at the Youth with Disability National Forum. The young people at the Forum also came up with the name for the global program: ‘WE DECIDE’.

As part of the development and establishment of the Global WE DECIDE Program, WWDA assisted the UNFPA and its partners to develop and produce a video to promote the Program worldwide and raise awareness of the sexual and reproductive rights of young people with disability. As part of WWDA’s contribution to this work, WWDA interviewed a number of young people with disability who participated in the National Youth with Disability Forum. The young people agreed to be interviewed on video, and several of them now appear in the global video for the WE DECIDE Program. Additionally, WWDA assisted in writing some of the content for the global video.

The Global Program for Young People with Disability: “WE DECIDE: A Programme for Equal Opportunities and a Life Free of Violence” was officially launched at the 9th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Person’s with Disabilities (CRPD) in New York in June 2016. WWDA was honoured and delighted to not only co-sponsor this critical event, but was also invited by the UNFPA to co-host the official launch. UNFPA were generous in assisting with the travel and accommodation costs for WWDA representative, Cashelle Dunn, to attend the COSP and officially co-launch the Global WE DECIDE Program. The official launch of the WE DECIDE Program was an amazing success. The Australian Government delegation attended the international launch, and Mr James Christian (Group Manager, Disability, Employment and Carers, Department of Social Services) gave a presentation on behalf of the Australian Government as one of the panelists at the launch event. The event was attended by over 150 invited delegates, from a number of countries.

Organising and Co-ordinating the Australian Civil Society Delegation to the 9th Session of the CRPD Conference of States Parties (New York)

The 9th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Person’s with Disabilities (CRPD) was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, from 14 – 16 June 2016. The annual COSP invites delegates from signatories to the UN CRPD and representatives from civil society organisations and Governments around the world to discuss implementation of the CRPD and related international development issues. The Australian Government, through the Department of Social Services (DSS) made a small amount of funding available to support representation of people with disability at the 9th

13

session of COSP. Expressions of interest were sought from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO’s) and disability advocacy organisations for the limited funds available. The timeframe for submitting funding applications was very short (4 days).

In an effort to foster collaboration, and ensure that a strong delegation of disabled persons from Australia attended and participated at COSP, WWDA led and co-ordinated the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) delegation to the 9th session of COSP. WWDA organised all aspects of the ACDA delegation to COSP, including:

Writing the successful funding application; Liaising with DSS, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Australian Human

Rights Commission (AHRC) to co-ordinate the civil society and government delegations event program;

Identifying the delegates to attend; Organising all flight, accommodation, travel and other logistical requirements for delegates; Mentoring young members of the delegation; Managing the funding contract, contract negotiations, auspicing and managing the funds; and

undertaking the financial acquittal; Assisting to develop the Delegation Event Program; and much more.

Ten delegates represented the ACDA at the 9th session of COSP. The delegation included eight women with disability and two men with disability.

WWDA 1800RESPECT National Project

WWDA is currently working in partnership with Medibank Health Solutions (MHS) on a joint project to improve the accessibility, usability and functionality of the 1800RESPECT website and services for people with disability – particularly women and girls with disability. This 6-month project has involved significant and extensive consultation and engagement with women with disability all around Australia on the 1800RESPECT services. To date, WWDA has held a number of co-design workshops with women with disability to develop a good practice and inclusive model and approach for all aspects of the 1800RESPECT service. WWDA has utilised the information gathered to inform development of the 1800RESPECT website design and content and the 1800RESPECT Counselling services. WWDA has also utilised the information gathered from consultations with women with disability throughout the Project to inform the development of the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children.

WWDA is currently in the process of developing a detailed Project Report with clear, practical and tangible recommendations and actions to Government, MHS, and a wide range of other stakeholders regarding ways the 1800RESPECT website and services (information, referral, advice and counselling) must be designed and re-oriented to be fully inclusive of all women experiencing, and at risk of all forms of violence – regardless of setting, and regardless of who perpetrates the violence. Critically, a key and consistent theme from all consultations with women with disability to date throughout WWDA’s 6 month 1800RESPECT Project, is the urgent and critical need for the development of content and resource materials on violence against women and girls with disability – particularly for women and girls with disability themselves.

National 1800Respect Implementation Clinical Advisory Group

In June 2016, I was appointed to the National 1800Respect Implementation Clinical Advisory Group, which has been established by Medibank Health Solutions and the Australian Government, to provide advice and leadership into the development and implementation of a new operating model for the 1800RESPECT ‘First Response’ [Triage] Counselling Service. The role of the ICAG is to provide clinical advice and leadership in the planning and implementation activities associated with the new service delivery model from a whole of system perspective, taking into account the strategic directions of Medibank Health Solutions and the key elements of the 1800RESPECT First Response Function. The ICAG is expected to operate for 3 months and includes fortnightly meetings (in Melbourne) and approximately 2-5 hours per week of dedicated work to

14

meet the objectives of the ICAG. Members of the ICAG will be paid a fee for their role and work on the ICAG. WWDA will invoice Medibank for my time at the completion of the ICAG (due to end in late August/early September 2016). I would like to acknowledge the work and efforts of Chris, Cashelle and Cristina, who stepped up to help me implement this national Project after the Project Officer position was made redundant in May 2016.

Development of the WWDA Annual Activity Workplan 2015-2016

In mid 2015, WWDA published our Annual Activity Workplan for the 2015-2016 reporting year. Our workplan embeds and reflects the key purpose of our organisation – to promote and advance the human rights of women and girls with disability. WWDA’s Work Plan 2015-2016 contains seven key objectives, which underpin the organisations strategic goals. WWDA’s Workplan was distributed worldwide and made available for download from our website.

Establishment and Development of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA)

During the reporting period, WWDA has taken a leading role in establishing and developing Disabled People’s Organisation’s Australia (DPOA) formerly known as the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA). Just some examples of WWDA’s work in this area has included:

Developing and implementing a triage process and procedure for managing requests to DPOA; Responsibility for managing and dealing with all incoming requests to DPOA; Researching and writing the DPOA Activity Progress Report for the period February 15 – July 15; Researching and writing several Submissions for and on behalf of the DPOA; Drafting DPOA Media Releases and writing all formal correspondence on behalf of DPOA to relevant

Ministers, Department officials, and other stakeholders; Coordinating and liaising with DSS and Government Ministers to set up DPOA meetings with

Ministers and other stakeholders; Writing the Position Description for the position of National Director for the DPOA; Writing the proposal on behalf of DPOA for funding of the DPOA National Director position; Attending and participating in DPOA Planning Forum in Hobart in September 2015, including key

stakeholder interviews with Consultants (Social Atlas) for forum preparation; Researching and developing an Evidence Based Report to determine key priority issues for the

DPOA; Attending and participating in a 3 day DPOA Planning Workshop in Melbourne in March 2016; Designing, researching and building the DPOA website, including uploading all content, and

ensuring accessibility standards are met and/or exceeded; Researching, organising and implementing DPOA domain name registration and domain name

hosting services; Funding the DPOA domain name registration and domain name hosting services; Organising and co-ordinating design and development of the DPOA logo, and other promotional

material (banners) including liaising with DPOA member organisations for feedback; Activating the DPOA Twitter handle and developing an interim logo until final DPOA logo was

agreed; Developing and writing the DPOA 12 month Activity Work Plan 2016-2017; Developing and writing a proposal to DSS for and on behalf of the DPOA seeking funding for the

National DPOA Coordinator position, Participating in fortnightly 2 hour teleconferences with CEO’s of DPOA member organisations; Providing and undertaking all graphic design and publishing of DPOA reports, submissions and

relevant documents.

Industrial Relations and Human Resources

In May 2016, WWDA contracted the services of ‘Employsure’, Australia’s leading expert in the field of workplace regulations, offering a suite of services to support client’s specific needs. WWDA is working with

15

Employsure to review WWDA’s workplace processes, policies and documents to identify and fix any areas of non-compliance. Employsure is also working collaboratively with WWDA to provide tailored policy and procedure documents (employee contracts, employer and employee handbooks etc) plus guidance on using them. In addition, Employsure provides unlimited, proactive and professional advice on employment relations and workplace health and safety whenever WWDA requires it, 24hrs a day, seven days a week. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful service provided by Employsure to date, including assisting WWDSA with the difficult task of making a Project Officer position redundant.

Policy Advice, Submissions, and Representation

It is difficult in a report of this nature to do justice to the extraordinary amount of work that WWDA has done over the 12-month reporting period. The following section of my report gives a listing of just some examples of submissions, policy advice, representation, and other systemic advocacy that WWDA has done during the reporting period (1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016):

Submissions

Submission to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Draft General Comment on Article 24: The right to inclusive education;

Submission to the international NGO consultation on the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children;

Submission to the Australian Government Review of the National Women’s Alliances (NWA) model (KPMG);

Submission to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Draft General Comment on CRPD Article 6: Women with Disabilities;

Submission to the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Review Submission to CRPD Committee 14th Session – Right of Persons with Disabilities to Live

Independently and to be Included in the Community Submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee: Inquiry into Indefinite

Detention of People with Cognitive and Psychiatric Impairment in Australia Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Framework for Information,

Linkages and Capacity Building Consultation Paper Submission to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Abuse in Disability Services Submission to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Specialist Disability Accommodation

(SDA) Position Paper on Draft Pricing and Payments Submission to the Commonwealth Ombudsman – NDIS Trial Sites Stakeholder Interviews Submission to Senate Inquiry into the “Impact on service quality, efficiency and sustainability of

recent Commonwealth community service tendering processes by the Department of Social Services”

Submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission: Willing to Work Inquiry Submission to DSS regarding the need for gendering of data for the Report of Government Services

(ROGS) Submission to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Proposal for NDIS Quality and

Safeguards Framework Submission to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Framework for Information,

Linkages and Capacity Building Consultation Paper Submission to the NDS’s Centre for Applied Disability Research (CADR) Submission to the Development of the National Disability Strategy (NDS) Second Implementation

Plan Submission and Funding Proposal to Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (Office for Women) Submission and application to International Women Deliver Young Leaders Program Submission and application to International Association of Women in Development (AWID)

International Forum on Women’s Rights and Development ‘Feminist Futures: Building Collective Power for Rights and Justice’

16

Submission to the Evaluation of the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Their Children;

Policy Advice

National Roundtable on the Cross-Examination of Victims of Family Violence in the Family Law Courts

DSS National Roundtable on Violence Against Women with Disability DSS National Roundtable on Sexual Assault KPMG Development of Draft Standards for Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Services WWDA Stakeholder Interview with KPMG for the Review of the National Women’s Alliances

Operating Model; DSS National Disability Employment Framework Stage One DSS National Disability Employment Framework Stage Two Coordination of DSS two day Workshop for national and state/territory consultations on the National

Disability Employment Framework DSS National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Reform Review of the National Disability awards Guidelines and process Judge, National Disability Awards Key stakeholder interview for the Evaluation of the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to

Prevent Violence Against Women and Their Children; WWDA Executive Director engaged as Peer Reviewer for ANROWS Research applications and

published Landscape Research Papers Key stakeholder interview for the UNSW National Research Project regarding women’s economic

security following domestic violence Provision of support and advice to COAG Advisory Council on Violence Against Women; Provision of support and advice to Sub-Committees of COAG Advisory Council on Violence Against

Women (Women’s Safety Services Sub-Committee; Sub-Committee on Telecommunications and Violence)

Key adviser to the Tasmanian Government for the development of the Tasmanian Family Violence Plan

Stakeholder meetings with DSS Family Safety Branch on the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children

Contribution to the development of the Australian Cross Disability Alliance (ACDA) Election Platform: “Building a Disability Inclusive Australia”

Development of draft recommendations for the UPR of Australia Development of Fact Sheets for the UPR of Australia Presentation to the annual National Women’s Alliance’s 2 day Forum, Canberra Development and implementation of the WWDA National Webinar ‘Understanding Violence against

women with disability’, prepared and delivered for 1800RESPECT; Consultancy for DSS/Fairfax media for national and regional newspaper features on people with

disability for International Day of People with Disabilities Development and publishing of Fact Sheet for Women with Disabilities on Voting Commissioned by Our Watch to write the chapter on ‘Ableism’ for the Our Watch National

Framework to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children; WWDA publication ‘Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities: Integrating A

Human Rights Perspective’, revised and updated edition published November 2015; Contribution to the development of the Framework for the Prevention of Violence Against Women

(Our Watch); National NDIS ‘Information, Linkages and Capacity Building Forum’, hosted by WWDA, NDIS

Grassroots Discussion Group and WA NIDS My Way Peer Support Group Contribution to the “Silent Tears Project: National Photographic Project and Exhibition – Violence

Against Women with Disabilities”, including narration for audio; Commencement of the development of WWDA Position Statements on Key Human Rights Issues for

Women and Girls with Disability

17

Implemented the national Project ‘Strengthening the Voice of WWDA & Women with Disability’ Project, funded by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC);

Representation and Other Systemic Advocacy

WWDA Executive Director attended the invite only UNFPA International Expert Group meeting on Youth with Disability’, Montevideo, Uruguay, September 2nd – 4th 2015;

WWDA Executive Director represented on the Technical Advisory Committee and Expert Advisory Committee of the Global ‘WE DECIDE’ Program (ongoing)

WWDA Youth Network Manager Cashelle Dunn represented WWDA at the United Nations International Day of the Girl Summit (New York);

Stakeholder Meeting with UN Women and DESA Secretariat in Montevideo, Uruguay during the UNFPA Expert Meeting on Youth with Disability.

Member, National Advisory Committee - AWAVA/Our Watch international conference on violence against women;

Member, ANROWS Practitioner Engagement Group (PEG) Provision of direct evidence to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Abuse in Disability Services,

Melbourne Witness Evidence to public hearing of the Senate Inquiry into Impact on service quality, efficiency

and sustainability of recent Commonwealth community service tendering processes by the Department of Social Services

Member, National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) CEO’s Forum Representation at Department of Social Services (DSS) JobAccess Gateway workshop Representation at the National Disability Awards, Canberra Dec 2015 Member, Australian Disability Electoral Commission Disability Advisor Committee National Disability Peaks DSS 2 day Workshop, Canberra Dec 2015 Representation at state/territory based information sessions about the interface between the NDIS

and the Hearing Services Program Representation on the International Coalition for an International Treaty on Violence Against Women

& Girls, including WWDA representation on two of the global working groups: ‘Disability/Inclusion Working Group’, and the International ‘Definition of Violence’ Working Group.

Represented at the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Gender Equality – Turning Targets into Action working group, facilitated by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Council for International Development.

Representation at and contribution to the ACDA White Flower Memorial: Remembering People with Disability Who Have Died as a Result of Violence, Abuse or Neglect, 25 November 2015

WWDA representation at and contribution to two day COAG Advisory Council on Violence Against Women ‘Workshop on Telecommunications and Violence’;

Member, Australian Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group Authoring of Journal articles and book chapters, including for eg: Co-authored chapter on ‘Violence

Against Women with Disabilities’ for the international book ‘Violence Against Women in the Global South’

Representation at the Ministerial Launch of the Australian Government’s Funding Package for Family and Domestic Violence;

Contribution to the International Twitter Campaign: Women And Girls With Disabilities: #WeWwdWant

Significant Media interviews and coverage, eg: Radio Atticus About Need for Royal Commission into Disability Violence;

WWDA News Bulletin template developed and bulletin produced monthly; WWDA Website further developed and enhanced; WWDA Twitter account established and promoted; WWDA Facebook page developed and increasing number of subscribers; WWDA Feature Bulletins have been produced using consistent template and branding.

18

Although WWDA is not funded to undertake individual advocacy, WWDA continues to be regularly contacted by people with disability, service providers, families, carers, and others, for direct assistance with individual advocacy. On many occasions, those contacting WWDA have been given WWDA’s details by another service or individual, and been advised to contact WWDA. These referrals to WWDA also come from crisis services and services which are specifically funded to undertake individual advocacy. Many of those contacting WWDA have often been on a ‘referral merry-go round’ and still not managed to secure any support or service response to their issues. More often than not, these issues are urgent and require an immediate response. Issues for which WWDA has been contacted to provide direct individual advocacy are many and varied, but key issues and themes include: violence and abuse; violations of sexual and reproductive rights; legal issues; removal of babies and children; lack of services and support programs; lack of coordination of care; discrimination in employment; discrimination in education; lack of friendships and supported recreational opportunities; confusion and lack of information about the NDIS, and much more. WWDA spends on average, approximately 20 hours per week on dealing with requests for individual advocacy.

WWDA has continued to employ high standard governance and financial management practices, with our accountant Cody Burdon, providing superb service and support to our organisation. During the reporting year, WWDA has met all reporting and accountability requirements as well as those in relation to our funding bodies. In accordance with the constitutional requirements of the organisation, WWDA’s service agreements; the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT); and the Charities Act 2013 (Cth), WWDA has undertaken a wide range of internal and external reporting and accountability requirements. During the reporting period, WWDA has also undertaken a significant amount of work in relation to governance, including financial management, human resources, and related reporting. The WWDA Board is provided with monthly financial reports from Cody, which also include reports on staff entitlements (ie: annual leave, long service leave etc).

As Executive Director, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Karin Swift (WWDA Acting President) for your support over the past year, in what has been a very challenging and difficult year for WWDA. I thank you Karin for stepping into the role of Acting President following the sudden and unexpected resignation of our former President, Ms Rayna Lamb in May 2016. I would also like to thank the current members of the WWDA Board who have supported me during the reporting period, and who worked so hard to keep WWDA on track when we were faced with particular governance challenges that we had never experienced in our long history. The disability sector can be difficult to work in at times, and has a long history of dynamics and internal politics, but I remain deeply proud that our organisation is one of deep integrity that is committed to our values and our core purpose to advance the human rights of women and girls with disability.

I would like to acknowledge and thank those WWDA members who have undertaken representative work on behalf of our organisation during the reporting period, and also to our members and supporters for their continued faith in WWDA and our work.

I acknowledge as always, the Department of Social Services (DSS) for providing WWDA’s operational funding, and I trust the Australian Government will continue to see value in our organisation, and secure our operational funding post June 2017. I would also like to particularly acknowledge the assistance and support given to me over the past year by Christopher Brophy, Cashelle Dunn and our accountant Cody Burdon. It is impossible in a repot of this nature to do justice to the extraordinary work of these three wonderful people. I would also like to acknowledge the work of Cristina Ricci, who is undertaking part-time Project work for WWDA until the beginning of August 2016.

Finally, I must acknowledge the great toll the past year has taken on me personally – trying to maintain the high standard of WWDA’s work, and the esteem in which our organisation is held. I sincerely hope the Australian Government will recognise the extent and standard of WWDA’s work, our international role, the ever escalating demand for our expertise and advice – and see fit to increase our operational funding to be commensurate with the amount, standard and quality of our work.

And lastly, but certainly by no means least, I would like to thank my 13 year old daughter Lottie – who is always so understanding and patient with her mother who works absurdly long hours – but understands and supports why I do it.

19

Carolyn FrohmaderExecutive Director

20

7. WWDA FINANCIAL REPORT 2015-2016

Women With Disabilities Australia Inc

Financial Report

For the Year Ended 30 June 2016

21

Women With Disabilities Australia Inc Board Report30 June 2016

Your Board members submit the financial report of the Association for the financial year ended 30 June 2016.

1. General information

Principal Activities

The principal activities of association during the financial year were:

To promote and protect the rights of women with disabilities nationally and internationally.

To undertake systemic advocacy in specific areas of concern to women with disabilities.

To continue to build on Women With Disabilities Australia's key role in the consolidation, production and dissemination of high quality information, publications and research on issues relevant to women with disabilities.

To further develop the internal and external operations of the organisation in order to achieve its vision, goals and objectives.

To contribute to the development and implementation of Australian Government policies affecting women with disabilities.

Significant Changes

No significant change in the nature of these activities occurred during the year.

2. Operating Results and Review of Operations for the Year

Operating result

The surplus/(deficit) of the Association for the financial year amounted to $29,512 (2015: $(25,304)).

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Members of the Board:

Board Member .. .......................................................................

Board Member ....... ..................................................................

Dated this….4th............................ day of .... October.......................... 2016

22

Women With Disabilities Australia IncStatement by Members of the Board

The Board has determined that the Association is not a reporting entity and that this special purpose financial report should be prepared in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 1 to the financial statements.

In the opinion of the Board the financial statements:

1. Present fairly the financial position of Women With Disabilities Australia Inc as at 30 June 2016 and its performance for the year ended on that date.

2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Women With Disabilities Australia Inc will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board and is signed for and on behalf of the Board by:

Board Member .. .......................................................................

Board Member ....... ..................................................................

Dated this….4th............................ day of .... October.......................... 2016

23

Women With Disabilities Australia IncStatement of Comprehensive IncomeFor the Year Ended 30 June 2016

2016 2015$ $

IncomeGrants Received 610,676 246,121

Donations 2,058 585Consultancy 32,891 9,000Copyright agency 2,996 285Interest 5,858 4,869Reimbursed expenses 13,600 13,536Profit/(Loss) on disposal of assets - -

Total income 668,079 274,396

ExpensesAccommodation & meals 64,212 31,295

Accountancy and audit fees 15,804 16,396Bank charges 241 42Conference registrations 4,897 -Consultancy 20,774 11,140Depreciation 5,610 3,472Employee costs 382,630 160,113Information technology 1,927 5,060Insurance 7,415 3,799Office supplies and equipment 4,755 856Postage and freight 1,453 1,092Printing and publication design 4,004 2,596Subscriptions and publications 2,962 512Sundry expenses 2,680 1,155Telephone, teleconferences and internet 7,122 3,970Travel 112,081 58,202

Total Expenses 638,567 299,700

Net surplus/(deficit) 29,512 (25,304)

Other comprehensive income - -

Total comprehensive income 29,512 (25,304)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

24

Women With Disabilities Australia IncStatement of Financial PositionAs At 30 June 2016

2016 2015Note $ $

ASSETSCURRENT ASSETSCash and cash equivalents 402,639 527,639Trade and other receivables 770 1,542

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 403,409 529,181

NON-CURRENT ASSETSProperty, plant and equipment 2 13,967 11,274

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 13,967 11,274

TOTAL ASSETS 417,376 540,455

LIABILITIESCURRENT LIABILITIESTrade payables 3 22,858 79,833Short-term provisions 4 55,217 25,701Unspent grant funds 170,970 296,104

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 249,045 401,638

NET ASSETS 168,329 138,817

EQUITYAccumulated surpluses 168,329 138,817

TOTAL EQUITY 168,329 138,817

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

25

Women With Disabilities Australia IncStatement of Changes in EquityFor the Year Ended 30 June 2016

2016Accumulated

Surpluses Total$ $

Balance at 1 July 2015 138,817 164,121Net surplus/(deficit) for the year 29,512 29,512

Balance at 30 June 2016 168,329 168,329

2015Accumulated

Surpluses Total$ $

Balance at 1 July 2013 164,121 164,121Net surplus/(deficit) for the year (25,304) (25,304)

Balance at 30 June 2015 138,817 138,817

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

26

Women With Disabilities Australia IncNotes to the Financial StatementsFor the Year Ended 30 June 2016

1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Preparation

This financial report is a special purpose financial report prepared in order to satisfy the financial reporting requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act (ACT) 1991. The Board has determined that the Association is not a reporting entity and therefore a special purpose financial report has been prepared. The Association is a not for profit entity for financial reporting purposes.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis, are based on historic costs and do not take into account changing money values or, except where specifically stated, current valuations of non-current assets.

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless otherwise stated, have been adopted in the preparation of these financial statements.

(b) Comparative Figures

Where appropriate, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year.

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments.

(d) Property, Plant and Equipment

Office equipment is carried at cost less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation. The depreciable amount of all equipment is depreciated over the useful lives of the assets to the Association commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

Office Equipment 10-20%Computer Equipment 33%

(e) Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables represent the liability outstanding at the end of the reporting period for goods and services received by the Association during the reporting period which remain unpaid. The balance is recognised as a current liability.

(f) Employee Benefits

Provision is made for the Association's liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to the end of the reporting period. Employee benefits have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled.

Contribution made by the Association to an employee superannuation fund is charged as an

27

expense when incurred.

(g) Income Tax

No provision for income tax has been raised as the Association is exempt from income tax under Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

(h) Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial position are shown inclusive of GST.

(i) Unexpended Grants

It is the policy of the Association to treat grant monies as unexpended grant liabilities in the statement of financial position where the Association is contractually obliged to provide the services in a subsequent financial period to when the grant is received or in the case of specific project grants where the project has not been completed.

(j) Revenue and Other Income

Interest revenue is recognised over the period for which the funds are invested.

Membership income is recognised over the period to which the membership relates.

Grant income is recognised when expensed in accordance with the terms of the funding agreement.

Donation income is recognised when the Association obtains control over the funds which is generally at the time of receipt.

All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST).

2 Property, Plant and Equipment2016 2015

$ $

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Furniture & equipment At cost 29,998 21,695

Accumulated depreciation (16,031) (10,421)

13,967 11,274

3 Trade and Other Payables2016 2015

$ $Trade payables 3,752 4,782Employee expenses payable 17,014 37,016GST payable 2,092 38,035

28

22,858 79,833

4 Provisions2016 2015

$ $

CURRENTAnnual leave 43,339 17,817

Long service leave 11,878 7,884

55,217 25,701

5 Capital and Leasing Commitments

There are no capital or leasing commitments as at reporting date to be disclosed.

6 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

There are no contingent liabilities or contingent assets as at reporting date to be disclosed.

7 Events After the End of the Reporting Period

There are no events after the statement of financial position date affecting these financial statements to be disclosed.

8 Economic Dependency

Although there is no reason to believe that grant funding will cease, the ongoing viability of the Association as a going concern is dependent on funding from its funding providers.

29

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the members of Women with Disabilities Australia Inc

We have audited the accompanying financial report, being a special purpose report, of Women with Disabilities Australia Inc, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2016, the statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended, statement of changes in equity, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and statement by Members of the Board.

Members of the Board’s Responsibility for the Financial Report

The Members of the Board of Women with Disabilities Australia Inc, are responsible for the preparation of the financial report, and have determined that the basis of preparation described in Note 1, is appropriate to meet the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act (ACT) 1991 and is appropriate to meet the needs of the members. The officers’ responsibility also includes such internal control as the officers determine is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We have conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments the auditor considers internal control relevant to the association’s preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view, in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the association’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the officers, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial report presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Women with Disabilities Australia Inc, as at 30 June 2016 and of its financial performance for the year then ended in accordance with the Associations Incorporation Act (ACT) 1991.

Basis of Accounting and Restriction on Distribution

Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 to the financial report, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial report has been prepared for the purpose of fulfilling the officers financial reporting requirements under the Associations Incorporation Act

30

(ACT) 1991 and as such may be unsuitable for another purpose.

The officers have determined that the financial report shall be prepared in accordance with a special purpose framework. As a result, the financial report may not be suitable for another purpose as only the accounting standards specifically stated in note 1 to the accounts have been applied in the preparation of this special purpose financial report.

As such, this report should not be distributed or used by parties other than Women with Disabilities Australia Inc, and its members.

31