Page 1711 - Week 06 - Thursday, 30 July 2020
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honour of the late Susan Salthouse and wish to use this opportunity to extend my sincerest sympathies to Sue’s family and loved ones during this time.
It goes without saying that I was deeply saddened by the passing of Sue on 20 July this year. It is evident today that Sue made a widespread and profound impression not only on the disability sector but in all areas of government. This speaks volumes about Sue’s enduring and all-encompassing commitment to improving the lives of people with a disability.
Sue’s life changed in 1995, following a horseriding accident that resulted in an incurred disability. Following Sue’s appointment as ACT Senior Australian of the Year for 2020, she expressed her pride in belonging to the disability community. Sue explained that she viewed her circumstances as an opportunity to address systemic issues affecting people with disability, particularly women, a role that she wholeheartedly embraced.
Since 1996 Sue had been actively engaged in policy analysis, project development, social research and individual advocacy across disability rights. The quality of Sue’s work and leadership is embedded in the advice given to government and non-government organisations which has led to the creation of fundamental policies and initiatives to address systemic issues for people living with a disability.
Sue served as co-chair of the ACT Disability Expert Panel, now known as the Disability Reference Group. This group played a fundamental role in the development and preparation of the NDIS in the ACT and enhanced the quality of service delivery for participants. Sue’s leadership in this group set the foundations for the success of the ACT’s transition into the NDIS.
Sue went on to commence a role as a member of the NDIS Independent Advisory Council. She had a significant role in shaping the finer details and the operationalisation of the NDIS scheme upon its inception in the ACT. She played an integral role in the establishment of the NDIS ACT trial site by providing advice on the design, delivery and improvement of the scheme to guarantee the best possible outcomes for participants.
Sue was involved in several high-profile submissions at an international level, including the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 2006 and 2010. In 2011 she advised the United Nations periodic review, which resulted in the concluding observations including specific reference to women with disabilities.
Sue was always devoted to amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups in an effort to effect positive social change. She excelled at it. In recognition of her work and advocacy, Sue received a considerable number of prestigious awards and distinctions for her enduring commitment to improving the lives of people living with a disability.
In 2010 Sue received the Edna Ryan award for her role in community activism. In 2011 she won the inclusion award in recognition of her work in educating others about the importance of inclusion for people with disabilities. Sue was the 2014 ACT
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