Rosemary Kayess

Rosemary Kayess is a Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) within the School of Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) at UNSW Sydney. Her work focuses on disability rights, human rights law, and inclusive policy frameworks. She has contributed significantly to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its implementation globally.

Key roles include Chairperson of the Australian Centre for Disability Law (since 1995) and advisory roles in national/international bodies like DFAT's Disability Reference Group (2008–2016), the National Mental Health Commission, and the UN's Universal Periodic Review processes. Her research bridges law, policy, and practice, emphasizing intersectionality and marginalized communities' inclusion.

• Awards: 2015 ACDL Volunteer Award, 2014 UNSW Dean’s Research Impact Award, multiple nominations for national human rights recognition.
• Publications: Over 50 book chapters, journal articles, and reports on CRPD, supported decision-making, disability-inclusive education, and policy reform. Notable works include Routledge Handbook of Disability Law (2017) and Listening to Disability: Voices of Democracy (2022).
• Grants/Projects: Led major studies on NDIS implementation, supported decision-making frameworks, and access for culturally diverse disabled populations. Collaborates with governments, NGOs, and international bodies to translate research into actionable policies.

Her advocacy extends to global platforms, including representing Australia in UN disability rights reviews and shaping disability-inclusive frameworks in education, employment, and healthcare systems.