Earlier today the Australian Government tabled the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability in the Australian Parliament.
The 12-volume report devotes a volume to the voices of people with disability. It also includes an introductory volume with an Executive Summary and the Commissioners’ vision for an inclusive Australia. This is the society in which people with disability told us they want to live – it is also the society in which they have a right to live and that all Australians have a role in creating.
The report contains 222 recommendations to promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Recommendations cover a wide range of areas, including:
the introduction of an Australian Disability Rights Act to strengthen protection of the rights of people with disability and meet Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
a new Australian Government portfolio specifically responsible for disability, a new Minister for Disability Inclusion and a new Department of Disability Equality and Inclusion responsible for national leadership on relevant policies and programs
a new National Disability Commission as an independent statutory authority
more accessible information and communications, and increasing the number, skills and accessibility of interpreters
a new framework and national principles for supported decision-making
major reforms to mainstream systems to dismantle barriers that prevent people with disability accessing inclusive education, open employment, and accessible, appropriate and safe housing
addressing the over-representation of people with disability in criminal justice settings and children with disability in youth detention settings
increasing culturally safe disability services and supports for First Nations people with disability, and removing barriers to the NDIS in remote and very remote communities
nationally-consistent adult safeguarding laws, community visitor schemes, and an independent one-stop shop in each state and territory for reporting complaints, referrals and support.
While most recommendations are directed to the Australian Government, some are directed to state and territory governments. Other recommendations are directed to non-government agencies, such as service providers and professional associations responsible for training in disability and related health areas.
The Royal Commission has recommended the Australian Government and state and territory governments publish written responses to the Final report by 31 March 2024.
The Final Report is available on our website, along with A brief guide to the Final Report and a brochure called Listening to First Nations people with disability.
Final Report volumes
Volume 3 – Nature and extent of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
Volume 4 – Realising the human rights of people with disability
Royal Commission fast figures:
32 public hearings heard evidence from 837 witnesses
1,785 private sessions
7,944 submissions
17,824 phone enquiries
14 issues papers, with 710 responses
700+ community engagement activities
12 policy roundtables or workshops
28 research reports
The Royal Commission has now ended. Any comments on or queries about the content of the Final Report should be directed to the Australian Government.
