Ahead of the formal conclusion of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability in Sydney on 15th September 2023, the Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to commit to a clear action plan for achieving disability justice in Australia.
The Disability Royal Commission was established in 2019 after years of sustained pressure from the disability community and Senator Steele-John’s leadership in the Parliament.
Alongside the disability community, the Greens are urging the government to commit to resourcing the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
The Australian Greens are calling for three fundamental actions to end the violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of disabled people.
Firstly, there is an urgent need for a dedicated, ongoing mechanism through which disabled people can continue to share their experiences with a body empowered to undertake investigations and make referrals to law enforcement.
Second, the government must establish a federal Minister for Disability. We must have someone focused solely on disability issues, and accountable to the disability community at the ballot box.
Third, collective liberation through an intersectional approach to disability justice must be prioritised across all policy areas. This includes raising the Disability Support Pension addressing its archaic partner laws, and ensuring the NDIS moves away from its exclusionary approach to psychosocial disability.
As stated by Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Services, Health and Mental Health:
“The conclusion of the Disability Royal Commission marks a significant milestone for disabled people in this country.
“The disability community has done our bit, now it’s time for Federal and State Governments to do theirs.
“From the many years of tireless advocacy for its establishment to sharing some of the most harrowing experiences of their lives in submissions, the disability community has given so much to this Royal Commission.
“Though the Royal Commission is wrapping up, the work does not end there. In fact, it is really just beginning.
“The only acceptable response to the profound injustices uncovered by the Royal Commission is action. I urge the Albanese Government to prioritise transparency, accountability and justice to ensure the outcomes of this Royal Commission are not forgotten in the corridors of power.
“Reflecting on how far we’ve come together, I’m deeply proud of what we’ve achieved – for disabled people, by disabled people.
“We will be watching closely to ensure justice prevails. And that starts with the Government committing funding for the implementation of the recommendations.”
