Dr Peta Spyrou is an emerging expert in disability discrimination, education policy, and dispute resolution. She is also an External Affiliate Member of QUT's Centre for Inclusive Education. Peta's PhD, conferred in May 2023, explores how students with disability-related challenging behaviours experience educational settings and the associated complaint processes when issues arise. Peta uses empirical evidence to cast new light on these otherwise confidential complaint pathways and partnered with four external bodies to undertake this work. Peta was also the recipient of the unique and competitively awarded Equal Opportunity Commission Scholarship. 

In September–October 2025, Peta translated her research on disability discrimination and inclusive education into tangible policy impact through extensive engagement and consultation regarding the Education and Children’s Services (Inclusive Education) Amendment Bill 2025 (SA). She was invited by the Office of Tammy Franks MLC to collaborate with Parliamentary Counsel on drafting amendments to strengthen protections for students with disability and provided expert advice to multiple Members of the Legislative Council. Her contributions shaped the Second Reading Debate and Committee stage, increasing scrutiny of section 62 and transparency in school placement decisions. While the proposed amendments were not adopted, her work contributed to the inclusion of a statutory review clause requiring a review of section 62 three years after commencement—reflecting strong research impact and alignment with the University’s strategic priorities on social justice, inclusion, and evidence-based law reform. You can view Tammy's Second Reading contribution below:

Additionally, Peta's research has garnered significant media and scholarly attention. She was interviewed as an expert in the field and for a story featured in A Current Affair, and 9Honey, highlighting the practical implications of her findings on access to education for students with disabilities. Her study, co-authored with Dr Marianne Clausen  in the UNSW Law Journal, delves into critical issues at the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience, aiming to inform more equitable practices and frameworks. You can view the story for A Current Affair below.

Peta has also  authored or co-authored seven opinion pieces on topics exploring discrimination, accountability in leadership, the systemic failures impacting people with disabilities, and the need for more inclusive and effective policies in education.

• Peta Spyrou, Alice Taylor and Robin Banks, ABC Religion and Ethics, 'Confusion About Disability Discrimination Law is Weakening its Power to Protect People' (2025)
• Peta Spyrou, ABC Religion and Ethics, 'South Australia Gets a Solid B for Inclusive Education Reform — But It Could Have Been an A+’ (2025)
• Mark Giancaspro and Peta Spyrou, ABC Religion and Ethics, 'If you dress in patriotic clothing on Australia Day, can venues legally restrict your entry? (2025)
• Peta Spyrou ABC Religion and Ethics, 'How schools handle complaints about disability discrimination — and what needs to change?' (2024)
• Gabrielle Golding and Peta Spyrou, InDaily, 'Why MPs should be kept to same standards as employees' (2024)
• Peta Spyrou, InDaily, 'School autism policy a good start but must try harder' (2023)
• Peta Spyrpu, ABC Religion and Ethics, 'One year after the death of Ann Marie Smith, people living with disabilities are still waiting for meaningful change' (2021)

In 2022, Peta was a finalist in the University of Adelaide's Three-Minute Thesis final. You can view her in action below.