Podcast: We Need To Talk
In 2020, the death of Ann Marie Smith shocked us all. Policy makers, service providers, the community, we all asked how this could have happened. But one year on, Purple Orange heard from ‘Nat’, who told us she is scared she is going to be the next Ann Marie Smith, due to inadequate support. And she says she’s not the only one.
Listen to the podcast, share it, talk about it.
*** This is a heavy story. If after listening, you need to speak to someone, don't hesitate to ring Lifeline on 13 11 14. ***
Download a transcript of the podcast here, or watch the captioned video version at the bottom of this page.
You can also listen and subscribe to 'The Purple Orange Podcast' on Spotify.
Do You Want To Help?
If after hearing Nat’s story you feel compelled to do something, we encourage you to write to your local MP and Senators and ask them to act. You can find out who your local MP is and their contact details by entering your postcode into the search box of this website: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members
You can write your own letter or use the words we have suggested, or a combination of both. It’s completely up to you.
Download a copy of the letter here.
Or view the sample letter below:
Dear (insert MP’s name)
I listened to a Purple Orange podcast about the circumstances of an NDIS participant called Nat. She fears she could be the next Ann Marie Smith due to inadequate support. This is an urgent issue. Please listen to the podcast, [We Need To Talk] and advise what action you can take.
It’s been 12 months since Ann Marie Smith’s death and it’s not acceptable that our systems are still failing. We know about Ann Marie, we know about Nat, but what about the others who are falling through the cracks and whose voices aren’t being heard?
Please talk to your colleagues, including the new Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Senator Linda Reynolds CSC, about what you can do to ensure no other NDIS participants’ lives are at risk due to inadequate supports.
Listen to the podcast here: https://purpleorange.org.au/stories/podcast-we-need-talk
Yours sincerely
(insert your name and suburb)