Speakers

Kirsten Deane is the Deputy Director of the Melbourne Disability Institute and an Enterprise Professor in Disability. Based at the University of Melbourne, MDI facilitates and supports interdisciplinary research that addresses the complex and systemic issues facing people with disability. MDI brings people with disability, families, government and non government organisations together with researchers to co-produce research that has real-world impact on policy and practice and helps to build a more inclusive and equitable society. With more than 15 years experience in the disability sector and a background in research, policy, advocacy, campaigning and communications, Kirsten is most well known for her role as Campaign Director for Every Australian Counts, the grassroots campaign that fought for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Kirsten was a panel member on the recent independent review of the NDIS and has also served on numerous boards, committees and advisory councils, including Co-Chair and Deputy Chair of the National People with Disability and Carer Council. Kirsten has three children and as a result has excellent conflict mediation skills.