Core Takeaways from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

Paving the Way: Core Takeaways from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

The Royal Commission, spanning from April 2019 to September 2023, aimed to address and prevent violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation faced by people with disabilities. Focusing on human rights, the inquiry explored the experiences of specific groups, including First Nations people and those from diverse communities.

The Final Report, comprising 12 volumes, delivers conclusions, recommendations, and a vision for a more inclusive society supporting the independence of people with disabilities. It highlights the disproportionate rates of violence faced by women with disabilities, First Nations women, and young women with disabilities.

The vision for an inclusive Australia revolves around freedom from violence, protection of human rights, and the ability to live with dignity and equality. The Final Report proposes 222 recommendations for change, targeting areas such as human rights protection, autonomy and access for people with disabilities, inclusive education, employment, and housing, criminal justice reforms, and improving the experiences of First Nations people with disabilities.

Key recommendations include the introduction of an Australian Disability Rights Act, reforms to support decision-making and reduce restrictive practices, and addressing barriers to education, employment, and housing. The report also emphasises improvements in the criminal justice system for people with disabilities, especially victims of crimes.

First Nations people with disabilities face unique challenges, including barriers to accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in remote areas. The report calls for significant changes to eliminate these barriers.

Harrowing evidence of violence in disability services underscores the need for transparent policies, rigorous screening, and effective training for support workers. The report also advocates for independent oversight mechanisms and pathways for complaints, as well as governance reforms, including the creation of a dedicated portfolio for disability at the Federal government level.

The Commission urges the government to respond to the Final Report by March 31, 2024, outlining which recommendations they plan to act on, and a commitment to regular reporting on progress. Implementation will require collaboration across sectors, with a focus on placing people with disabilities at the centre of this transformative journey.