The Forensic Disability Service (FDS) and why it's so important with Dr John Chesterman, the Public Advocate for Queensland

Most people have never heard of the Forensic Disability Service but if you are alleged to have committed a crime in Queensland and deemed unfit for trial because of an intellectual or cognitive disability, you may find yourself as one of its residents.

On this episode of The Callover, we are joined by John Chesterman, the Public Advocate for Queensland, who will explain what the FDS is and why it is so important that someone looks out for its vulnerable residents.

John was appointed as the Public Advocate for Queensland in 2021 after having acted as Victoria’s Deputy Public Advocate. He has extensive experience and expertise in areas of law including human rights, guardianship and supported decision-making.

If you’d like to read the 2019 Ombudsman’s report that is referred to in this episode, you can find it here:  The Forensic Disability Service report - Queensland Ombudsman

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode.

To read a transcript of this episode: https://www.qls.com.au/Membership/The-Hub/Podcasts  

To find John: John Chesterman - Public Advocate (Qld) - Office of the Public Advocate (Qld) | LinkedIn

To find Georgia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-athanasellis-21713715a

To contact the Future Leaders Committee email: [email protected]  

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