Disability Royal Commission
On 5 April, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, declared the establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission).
EnableAbility welcomes the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and supports all that are making submissions relating any behaviours or practices that abuse, neglect or exploit people with disability.
The Hon Ronald Sackville AO QC has been assigned as Chair of the Royal Commission. Mr Sackville will be supported by five other Royal Commissioners:
- Ms Barbara Bennett PSM
- Dr Rhonda Galbally AC
- Ms Andrea Mason OAM
- Alastair McEwin AM
- The Hon John Ryan AM
The Governor-General released Letters Patent that officially appoint the Royal Commissioners and outline the Terms of Reference for this inquiry.
The Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference cover what should be done to:
- Prevent, and improve protection of people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Achieve best practice in reporting and investigating of, and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Campaign for a more inclusive society to support the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Timeline
The Commissioners are expected to provide an interim report no later than 30 October 2020, and a final report by no later than 29 April 2022.
Submissions
The Disability Royal Commission would like to hear from all Australians about their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
A submission is the most important way people and organisations can provide information to the Royal Commission about their experiences of violence, neglect, abuse or exploitation of people with disability. Anybody can make a submission.
The Royal Commission cannot come to a decision about individual cases. It cannot award compensation or force a person or organisation to take particular actions.
Support
The Australian Government is is providing funded legal advisory and advocacy support for people who require assistance to make a submission. This support will be available soon. If you are interested in accessing this support, please subscribe here: Mailing list.
Resources
Make a submission to the Disability Royal Commission
Information Line: 1800 517 199 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm AEST)
