Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

: Last Updated: 30 October 2020; Hits: 2795

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The Disability Royal Commission began in April 2019. It is an independent public inquiry into the mistreatment of people with disability.

Royal Commissions have broad powers. They can hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath and compel evidence. They can make recommendations to the government about what should change. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (Aged Care Royal Commission) looks at similar issues in residential aged care.

The Disability Royal Commission listens to people with disability, families and carers. It holds public hearings and looks at ways people with disability are at risk. It publishes reports and suggests ways businesses, carers and the government can improve. Cases of abuse, violence, neglect or exploitation can occur anywhere in the community. In the home, workplace, school, residential care, in hospital and other health settings.

We have reported on the Royal Commission since it started. As time goes on, we've put all our reports together for you in one place to make it easier to find the information you want. As things change, we will add to this list. This list also serves as a timeline of the Disability Royal Commission.

The Commissioners published an Interim report on 30 October 2020, and need to give a final report by 29 April 2022.

Lead up

Why schools desperately need a royal commission into the abuse of disabled people

Pressure mounts for Disability Royal Commissioners to stand down

Submissions

Royal Commission seeks submissions

First Nations people with disability matter

IDEAS Has A Say: Disability Royal Commission - Emergency Planning and Response

Public hearings

23-27 November 2020

Public Hearing 8. Experiences of First Nations people with disability and their families in contact with the child protection system. Starts 23 November at 9.30 am AEST / 10:30 am AEDT

7-11 December 2020

Public Hearing 9. Pathways and barriers to open employment for people with disability.

14-15 December 2020

Public Hearing 10. Health care professionals education and training.

Reports

Interim Report

The Interim Report was published on 30 October 2020. It sets out what the Royal Commission has done in its first 15 months, the cut-off point being 31 July 2020. The report says people with disability experience attitudinal, environmental, institutional and communication barriers to achieving inclusion within Australian society. It shows that a great deal needs to be done to ensure that the human rights of people with disability are respected and that Australia becomes a truly inclusive society.