Spinal Life Australia Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell has commended Kevin Cocks AM for his seven-year commitment to fight for the rights of people with a disability as the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
Kevin, who is also a Spinal Life Australia member and has C6 complete quadriplegia, will finish in his role today.
Mr Powell said Kevin had an inspiring passion for disability advocacy.
“In his time as Commissioner, he has dedicated himself to pushing for an inclusive, accessible and diverse Queensland through legislative and policy reform and State-wide advocacy,” Mr Powell said.
“His passion for an inclusive Queensland has been a life-time commitment that goes far beyond his role.”
Before he was appointed as Commissioner in February 2011, Kevin utilised his passion at Queensland Advocacy Incorporated, a legal advocacy organisation for Queenslanders with a disability.
One of his most notable achievements was in 1993 when Kevin successfully fought the State Government in court to get an accessible lift to be installed at the front of the Brisbane Convention Centre.
Kevin also worked with Spinal Life Australia in launching the annual Robert Jones Oration event in memory of the late disability advocate, which discusses drives conversation around important accessibility topics.
“Kevin has been an active member of the Spinal Life Australia community and his contributions to Queensland have helped to make the State a more accessible place for all our members and clients,” Mr Powell said.
“He has bought an inclusive and forward-thinking approach to his role as Commissioner and his contributions to the State have helped Queensland become a fairer place for everyone.”
In 2010, Kevin was made a member of the Order of Australia for his contribution in making Queensland a better place for people with a disability.
In 2005 he received an Australian Human Rights medal from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.