On 5 April, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, announced the establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission).

Civic welcomes the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and supports those making submissions regarding any behaviours or practices that abuse, neglect or exploit people with disability.

​​The Hon Ronald Sackville AO QC has been appointed as 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
• Alastair McEwin AM
• The Hon John Ryan AM

The Governor-General issued Letters Patent which formally appoint the Royal Commissioners and outline the Terms of Reference for this inquiry.

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.

Timeline

The Commissioners are required to provide an interim report no later than 30 October 2020, and a final report by no later than 29 April 2022.

Submissions

The Disability Royal Commission wants to hear from all Australians about their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.

A submission is the main way people and organisations can provide information to the Royal Commission about their experiences of violence, neglect, abuse or exploitation of people with disability. Anybody can make a submission.

The Royal Commission cannot resolve individual cases. It cannot award compensation or force a person or organisation to take particular actions.

Support

The Australian Government is funding a legal advisory service and advocacy support for people who want assistance to make a submission. This support will be available shortly. If you would like to access this support, please subscribe here: Mailing list.

Resources

Royal Commission website

Make a submission to the Disability Royal Commission

Information Line: 1800 517 199 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm AEST)

Contact Us

To find out more, contact the Customer Experience Team on 1300MYCIVIC (1300 692 484) or email enquiries@civic.org.au.