On Friday April 5 2019, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

This announcement comes after a lot of consultation across Australia about the scope of the Royal Commission. Consultations were held with people with disability, their families and carers, states and territories, peaks representing people with disability, and the disability sector.

The Prime Minister also announced the appointment of the Hon Ronald Sackville AO QC as the 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
  • Mr Alastair McEwin
  • The Hon John Ryan AM

The Commissioners have been directed to inquire into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.

The Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference cover what should be done to:

  • prevent, and better protect, 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
  • 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.

The inquiry will cover all forms of violence against, and abuse, neglect and exploitation of, people with disability, in all settings and contexts.

A stand-alone website for the Royal Commission will be created. The website will provide information about how the public can be involved with the Royal Commission, including how submissions can be made, and when and where hearings will be held.

WAiS welcomes very much this news. If people want to find out more, please click here  https://www.ag.gov.au/About/RoyalCommissions/Pages/disability-royal-commission.aspx

People who are interested in updates about the proposed Royal Commission can be alerted to new information by subscribing to receive updates, click here for more

https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/royal-commission-into-violence-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation-of-people-with-disability