Edition

Nicola Hancock

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Lead, Mental Health Stream, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney

Dan Peled/AAP

July 8, 2025

Being kind to people – the new challenge for the public service

Jennifer Smith-Merry, University of Sydney; Damian Mellifont, University of Sydney; Justin Scanlan, University of Sydney, and Nicola Hancock, University of Sydney

Anthony Albanese is calling for a kinder Australia. But new research shows a lack of kindness in the public service is causing distress and even harm to clients.

Initial NDIS planning failed to recognise the unique needs and challenges of people with mental illnesses. SanchaiRat/Shutterstock

January 21, 2020

It’s hard for people with severe mental illness to get in the NDIS – and the problems don’t stop there

Nicola Hancock, University of Sydney and Jennifer Smith-Merry, University of Sydney

Some people with mental illnesses are unable to work or look after themselves but because their conditions are episodic, it’s difficult to meet the NDIS entry requirement of having a permanent disability.

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Joined January 20, 2020