The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was a significant inquiry established in April 2019. Nearly 10,000 individuals bravely shared their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation through various means such as online submissions, public hearings, and private sessions. The Final Report, released on 29 September last year, made a total of 222 recommendations aimed at bringing about necessary changes to laws, policies, structures, and practices affecting people living with disabilities, their families, carers, advocates, and service providers.
The Commission was comprised of six Commissioners, each bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table. Ronald Sackville KC served as the Chair, alongside Commissioners Barbara Bennett, Rhonda Galbally, Andrea Mason, Alastair McEwin, and John Ryan. The terms of reference for the approximately $600 million Royal Commission were broad, with the overarching goal of investigating what actions governments, institutions, and the community should take to prevent and better protect people with disabilities from experiencing various forms of harm across all settings and contexts.
In response to the Final Report, the Federal Government recently announced its stance on the recommendations put forth. Disappointingly, the call for a Disability Rights Act and the creation of a Federal Disability Department were not accepted. Furthermore, commitments to phasing out special schools, group homes, and segregated employment were not made. A new complaints mechanism and an improved minimum wage were also marked as needing further consideration.
Tahlia-Rose Vanissum, the National Policy and Systemic Advocacy Manager for the First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN), expressed concerns about the Royal Commission process, particularly for members of the First Nations community. She highlighted the institutional limitations of the Commission and the disappointment felt by many community members regarding the government’s response.
Vanissum emphasized the importance of specific recommendations to the First Nations community, including block funding for the community-controlled sector, First Nations representation on the NDIA Board, participation in cultural life, and the establishment of a First Nations Disability Forum. While these recommendations were agreed upon in principle, there remains a gap between expectations and the government’s response.
The government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations is crucial for progress in safeguarding the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. The ongoing monitoring and reporting on the progress of implementing the recommendations, including the annual update to the National Cabinet, will be essential in ensuring accountability and transparency in the process.
In conclusion, the journey towards ensuring the safety and protection of people with disabilities is ongoing. Collaboration between the government, advocacy groups, and communities is vital in driving meaningful change. By upholding commitments, providing dedicated funding, and prioritizing self-determination, we can work towards a more inclusive and supportive society for all individuals living with disabilities.