Disability worker loses voice for six years after being exposed to filthy conditions
A former disability support worker who alleges she was sent into urine and faeces-covered homes by her employer has been left unable to speak for six years.
In late 2019, the 44-year-old, who asked not be identified, was working as a support worker for Woodbine, a not-for-profit that assists people with intellectual disabilities based in Warracknabeal in Victoria's wheatbelt, 330km northwest of Melbourne.
The disability support worker of two decades took a client to Warracknabeal Hospital for treatment and had to stay with him for several days as it wasn't equipped to properly cater for their needs.
A number of other patients there had respiratory illnesses, and she came down with a similar illness as a result of her time there.
The mum-of-two spent three weeks off sick, and when she returned she alleges she was put to work in unsafe conditions.
'Unfortunately [the clients] weren't able to keep their house clean, it would be filthy... urine, faeces, and mum would have to go there quite a bit,' her 21-year-old daughter said. 'Mum didn't want to be rude. Woodbine was aware of the circumstances but there was nothing put in place to protect mum at all.'
As a result of her exposure to that environment, her respiratory condition worsened and she was diagnosed with a chest infection and pleurisy -- inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity.
Her condition continued to deteriorate before she was eventually hospitalised in March 2020, losing her voice completely.
'She never came back and it developed into this vocal chord dysfunction from the recurrent infections,' her daughter said. '[The doctors said] mycoplasma pneumoniae is really hard to treat.'
Six years later, she can't speak for more than a few minutes. She lives in constant pain and has to take heavy muscle relaxants just to keep her vocal chords at peace.
She moved to the Gold Coast in 2022, and has been unable to work since her injury.
Her daughter said the impact on her mum and their family had been 'devastating'.
'Day-to-day is pretty up and down,' she said. 'Prior to this injury mum was quite a fit and healthy person, mum would do swimming with me, exercise has all come to a halt. She has to be on medication to get through the day. The financial implications have been [significant].'
'It's a very bizarre and unique situation,' said Shine Lawyers senior associate Nehad Elmassry, who is representing the worker.
'She contracts this viral disease -- this is in the pre-Covid days -- then she loses her voice chronically for the rest of her life. There's no surgery, no therapy, no kind of treatment that's going to get her to be able to speak the same way.'
Shine alleges Woodbine breached its duty of care by failing to provide her with personal protective equipment.
'There was no risk assessment when they sent her to the hospital,' said Mr Elmassry.
'She complained about the environment the patients were in and they still sent her. She complained the patients were unwell, they told her 'go do your job'. Her condition continued to get worse. No one expects to go to work and lose your voice for the rest of your life. [Being] unable to work, that's the least of your problems. Her daily activities are impacted -- she can't go to the shops, speak to other people, all of the things we take for granted.'
She has been receiving WorkCover payments at 80 per cent of her previous salary for more than five years, but now intends to lodge an application for a serious injury certificate with the insurer in the coming months.
'She met the threshold to get compensation for losing her voice, now to get further compensation you have to sue the Victorian WorkCover Authority, which steps into shoes of the employer,' said Mr Elmassry.
The claim has not been finalised but is expected to be 'hundreds of thousands for pain and suffering and economic loss'.
'Certainly if she can't work again, the WorkCover insurer would have to compensate her for the economic loss she would have suffered up until the age of 67,' he said.
Shine is hopeful the claim will reach settlement without having to go to court.
'If there's a dispute and we can't come to agreement on who's at fault, it could land in court,' said Mr Elmassry.
'Woodbine [are] going to be under the gun. They'll be responding because they'll be asked a lot of questions.'
The woman's daughter said her mum felt let down by her employer of more than 20 years. 'They forced her to resign on pretty bad terms, it ended pretty nasty,' she said.
'Mentally it was just so draining. Mum was so passionate and caring for her clients, they were always treated as so much more than a job. They were mum's world, she loved her job. It's just been really tough.'
She added that the goal of the claim 'more to be recognised, to be shown that what happened wasn't fair'.
'This has been a really lengthy process and ultimately she just really wants it to come to an end,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SBS Australia
16 minutes ago
- SBS Australia
Performing Hajj was a 'turning point' in Faraz's life, now he helps Australians make the holy journey
Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world like Faraz Nomani travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Credit: AP / Rafiq Maqbool / Faraz Nomani Sydney-based Faraz Nomani is about to attend his third Hajj, also facilitating the pilgrimage of a group of 50 others. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a life goal of the world's estimated 2.05 billion Muslims. Pilgrims face searing heat and long walks as part of completing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. It is understood between 3,000 and 4,000 pilgrims will travel to Hajj from Australia. Faraz Nomani was 28 when he embarked on his first Hajj — the sacred Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca — and he says it was a turning point in his life. "It was an extremely emotional time for me," Faraz recalls. 'Particularly, my oldest son had just been diagnosed with autism. It was quite a tricky period of life." The 35-year-old Australian was born in Saudi Arabia and wasn't a stranger to the Muslim holy city, with childhood memories of performing a smaller pilgrimage (Umrah), and even a honeymoon pilgrimage to Mecca. But, Faraz says the sheer number of people and the peak day during Hajj — the Day of Arafat, when people gather on a mountainous plain to pray and offer supplications — made it different altogether from other pilgrimages. "It's really the emotional apex of a person's life in Islam. ... It's a huge day of renewal, renewing your intention to be a better family person, a better Muslim, a better community member. "To experience that at that age, it really was a turning point in my life." Now, years later, Faraz, a risk consultancy professional living in Sydney, is not just a pilgrim but a guide. Having performed Hajj twice before, this year he is leading a group of 50 Australian Muslims to the pilgrimage. Their group is called Al Bait Guests Australia. An estimated 3,000-4,000 Australians are expected to travel to Mecca for Hajj this year, which will take place from 4-9 June. The Muslim pilgrimage is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world, with over 1.83 million people congregating in Mecca in 2024, according to the Saudi Arabian government. Faraz's role for the group is multifaceted: a facilitator, a spiritual guide, and even a media and content manager, armed with gear to capture and share the profound journey with a wider audience on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The Hajj, one of the five foundational pillars of Islam, holds immense significance in the religion. It is obligatory for all Muslims at least once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially capable. Historically, it was an arduous, months-long overland journey, a feat beyond the reach of most. "Now in the modern day with modern travel," Faraz says, "it's actually become very doable for most people. And the only thing that prevents them is the financial aspect." And the financial cost is substantial. While the visa itself cost only a couple of hundred dollars, the all-inclusive packages range from $15,000 to $35,000 per person, Faraz said. These bundles cover flights, hotels, and the extensive logistics of navigating the sacred cities. The price of the package depends on the level of comfort pilgrims seek in terms of accommodations and their proximity to the Kaaba, the black cube at the epicentre of Muslim prayer. The core rituals of Hajj spans only five days. However, most Australians extend their stay, often for two to three weeks, to immerse themselves in Mecca and Medina, the latter being the city where Prophet Muhammad established the first Islamic government. Leading a group of people, especially one with varying needs, is a "gargantuan task", Faraz acknowledged. The challenges are significant, with overcrowding remaining a major concern. "The behaviour of [some] pilgrims ... is a huge challenge sometimes," he explained, describing the jostling and shoving of millions of devout individuals, all desperate to get as close as possible to the Kaaba. Touching the black cube itself is a rare feat, though, Faraz said, as most pilgrims aren't physically capable of navigating "the world's largest mosh pit". "You've got people like six foot seven inches ... and then you've got [people who are] five foot tall. It's not going to happen. So most Muslims do not get anywhere close to [the black cube]." Then there is the heat. Saudi Arabian summers can see temperatures soar between 40C and 50C. "It is ridiculously hot," Faraz says. The sheer physical exertion required to perform the Hajj is immense. On the Day of Arafat, pilgrims could walk anywhere from 20 to 50 kilometres in the scorching heat. Faraz himself had clocked 40 kilometres two years prior. This demanding physical aspect requires weeks of preparation, with pilgrims aiming for 20,000 steps a day in their training. The Saudi government, after past incidents like the heat-related deaths last year, are set to significantly step up efforts to mitigate risks, providing industrial-scale cooling fans and free water. SBS contacted the Saudi embassy in Australia for information but has not yet received a response. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), offers consular assistance to Australians in case of emergencies. "From advice on permits to information on safety and security, taking care of your health, local laws and customs and entry and exit into Saudia Arabia, Smartraveller should be Australians' first destination," the spokesperson said. Saudi Arabia sets national quotas for each country by allocating a specific number of annual pilgrimage slots according to the average size of the resident Muslim population. Australia's Hajj quota, though ostensibly 1,000 people based on population ratios, is often exceeded. "Australians can afford it a lot more than other people around the world," Faraz says, indicating that Australia often picked up unused allocations from other countries. The planning for Hajj begins months in advance. For this year's pilgrimage, packages were confirmed by mid-April, but information sessions and online seminars had commenced as early as January, making it a four to five-month process just to secure a place. Faraz says he is not just guiding people through a series of rituals but also facilitating a profound spiritual journey, sharing a privilege he himself had experienced. "For those who get the chance to go multiple times as I'm getting, it's just you're more and more thankful each time you go for the opportunity. "A great memory that I have is the [Day of Arafat] culminating at sunset, which is when it all ends. That was the highlight. That's the highlight for whoever [had performed Hajj] will tell you." Share this with family and friends Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Urdu-speaking Australians. Once you taste the flavours from Pakistan, you'll be longing for the cuisine.
ABC News
39 minutes ago
- ABC News
The shame of unwanted pregnancies for Pacific workers
Isabella Higgins: New research has uncovered shocking accounts of vulnerable workers employed on temporary visas hiding pregnancies and even attempting home abortions. The incidents involved workers employed through the Federal Government's Pacific Labor Mobility Scheme which is designed to address the skills shortage. Here's National Regional Affairs reporter Lucy Barbour and a warning her report contains disturbing content. Lucy Barbour: Some migrant workers are going to desperate measures to end their pregnancies. Tukini Tavui: We've come across such scenarios where they've attempted abortion. In one case it was actually in the field where they were working. There've also been cases that's done at home of ways and I couldn't even talk about. Lucy Barbour: Takini Tavui is the President of the Pacific Island Council of South Australia. He's not surprised by the scenarios highlighted in a new report from the Australian National University's Lindy Kanan. Lindy Kanan: I was told that people were using, drinking certain substances to try to terminate the pregnancy or using physical means. Lucy Barbour: Lindy Kanan has spoken with dozens of migrant workers, employers and health and support workers about the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility Scheme known as PAM. Under the program, approved Australian employers engage workers from the Pacific and Timor-Leste to work on farms and in meat processors and aged care facilities. Lindy Kanan: You know a number of employers that I spoke to saying, you know, we didn't know she was pregnant until she went into labour on the packing room floor. Lucy Barbour: Sex and pregnancy outside of marriage remain taboo in many Pacific Island cultures. Lindy Kanan says women felt ashamed if they'd fallen pregnant out of wedlock or through an extramarital affair. Lindy Kanan: I found at least seven cases on one field trip that I went to, to one regional town where women had basically run away after finding out that they were pregnant and were basically in a more precarious situation because of that. Lucy Barbour: Workers often live in close quarters. Lindy Kanan says that can have consequences. Lindy Kanan: It was very common to hear about male Palm participants using alcohol, knocking on the doors of women's accommodation at night and sexual assaults happening as a result of that situation. Lucy Barbour: Trudi Beck is a GP obstetrician. She publicly advertises abortions at her clinic in Wagga Wagga in south-east New South Wales. She estimates a quarter of her patients seeking terminations are migrant workers. Trudi Beck: I think it's probably a combination of many things that Australians don't really want to talk about. Things like abortion, racism and probably exploitation of Pacific neighbours. Lucy Barbour: Dr Beck says migrant workers are choosing abortion because they don't want to risk their jobs or being sent home. And patients can end up paying thousands of dollars for reproductive care because they don't have Medicare or health insurance that covers pregnancy and birth. Trudi Beck: This particular cohort is a group of patients that are so disadvantaged that delivering compassionate evidence-based care within the confines of the current system is virtually impossible. Lucy Barbour: The research found some employers did provide support for pregnant workers but many were unsure of their obligations. Isabella Higgins: Lucy Barbour and Cath McAloon with that report.
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Sexting criminals linked to suicide of Aussie teen nabbed in Nigeria in AFP sting
A sinister group of organised criminals who allegedly preyed on young Australian teens, including a 16-year-old boy who suicided, have been nabbed in an international sting targeting online sextortion. Two of the 22 suspects nabbed in Nigeria are linked to the death of the child in NSW in 2023. The AFP worked with the FBI, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to shut down the group allegedly responsible for a wave of sextortion targeting thousands of teenagers globally. The network's scheme, which coerced victims into sharing sexually explicit images before threatening to distribute those images unless payment was made, had devastating consequences. In the United States alone, more than 20 teenage suicides have been linked to sextortion-related cases since 2021. While many victims were based in North America, the ripple effects of the offending extended to Australia and other nations. During the operation, two AFP investigators deployed in Nigeria were able to trace online activity, link digital evidence to suspects, and assist in the identification of both perpetrators and victims. Investigators from the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) also provided expert analysis on data seized by foreign law enforcement and supported processes to avoid overlap with local investigations. Their efforts created a measurable result locally – in the 2023–2024 financial year, the ACCCE received a total of 58,503 reports of online child exploitation, including 1554 sextortion-related reports. These figures reflect the growing sophistication and volume of online abuse attempts targeting Australian children. The targeting of Australian children by offenders online remains ongoing however, and the ACCCE continues to receive reports of sextortion from members of the community. AFP Acting Commander Ben Moses, who leads the ACCCE, described the outcome as a powerful example of what could be achieved through international co-operation. 'This global operation sends a clear message to those who exploit children online. Law enforcement is united and determined to find you — no matter where you hide,' Acting Commander Moses said. 'These crimes are calculated and devastating, often pushing vulnerable young people into extreme distress. 'Thanks to the co-ordinated action of our partners, we achieved meaningful results including an immediate and significant reduction in sextortion reports across Australia.' While a reduction in reports is encouraging, the AFP warns the risks to children and young people remain and the community should be vigilant about online safety. The AFP continues to work with state and territory police to support victims of sextortion and other malicious online activity. Victim support includes referrals to specialist mental health services, as well as collaboration with online platforms to have harmful content removed. The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping online child sexual exploitation, and the ACCCE is driving a collaborative national approach to combating child abuse. The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment. The AFP-led ThinkUKnow program has developed the online blackmail and sexual extortion response kit aimed at young people, aged 13 to 17, and is available from the ThinkUKnow and ACCCE websites. The ACCCE has also created a dedicated sextortion help page with resources and information on how to report sextortion.
