Released 17/07/2018
Mandy Donley has been appointed as the ACT’s first Senior Practitioner.
A forensic mental health nurse by profession, from 2007 Ms Donley worked for Victoria’s Senior Practitioner Office on issues facing the disability community. Since 2015 Ms Donley has provided independent oversight of restraint and seclusion in Victorian government schools.
The Senior Practitioner will work closely with organisations across Canberra and the ACT community to provide education and to raise awareness about how to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices.
A restrictive practice is any practice or intervention that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person for the primary purpose of protecting the person or others from harm.
Restrictive practices are more likely to be used in response to behaviours of some of the most vulnerable people in our community – people with disability, older people, people living with psychosocial disability and children and young people.
In the coming months the Senior Practitioner will begin consultations on the development of policies, standards and guidelines to promote best practice, working with impacted sectors.
Quotes attributable to Rachel Stephen-Smith, Minister for Disability, Children and Youth:
“The establishment of a Senior Practitioner is an important step in our efforts to make Canberra an inclusive community where everyone’s rights are respected and upheld.”
“The role is focused on improving the lives of all people who are vulnerable and potentially subject to restrictive practices, as well as upholding their human rights.”
“Ms Donley brings a wealth of experience to Canberra from her time working in Victoria and I look forward to working with her to on the reduction and elimination restrictive practices in the ACT.”
“Ms Donley will also work closely with the Canberra community, service providers, the Human Rights Commission and other stakeholders in undertaking her important role.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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