FAMILY, friends and the wider community of Orange are joining in the celebrations with Prue McCarthy, who has been granted a disability support pension (DSP) after months of struggling with Commonwealth bureaucrats.
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Even those who do not know this passionate young woman, who was born with cerebral palsy, threw their support behind a media campaign to fight for justice.
Her supporters could not see how, after having previously been on a DSP before moving to a carer’s pension to assist her late grandmother, the government could refuse her request.
Disappointingly, one of the consequences of the recent government changes to criteria for the DSP meant Ms McCarthy had to cut back her working hours for a not-for-profit agency.
But that still provided no guarantees, as Ms McCarthy was told she would have to undergo yet another medical check to assess her suitability for the DSP.
After being given a potential wait time of up to six months, the issue compounded and her supporters turned to the national media, to tell the whole of Australia how the system was failing Ms McCarthy.
Whether it was embarassment on behalf of Centrelink, or the negative social and media coverage, things moved very quickly after the whole of Australia heard Ms McCarthy’s story.
Instead of gloating at her success, this passionate young woman has used her experience, which at times saw her reach her lowest ebb, to inspire others with a disability to fight for injustice.
The people of Orange treasure having this inspiring young woman in our community, and this is reflected in the overwhelming support she has received since her dilemma came to light.
Well done to you Prue, and your dedicated supporters.