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

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was established in April 2019 in response to community concern regarding reports of violence against, and the neglect, abuse and exploitation of, people with disability.  

Over the course of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, almost 10,000 people shared their experience of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.  

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has now made 222 recommendations on how to improve laws, policies, structures and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability Final Report consists of 12 Volumes plus an additional introductory volume, which includes the Chair’s foreword, a vision for an inclusive Australia, an executive summary and the full list of recommendations. 

Recommendations cover a wide range of areas, including but not limited to: 

1. the introduction of an Australian Disability Rights Act to strengthen protection of the rights of people with disability and meet Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; 
2. a new Australian Government portfolio specifically responsible for disability, a new Minister for Disability Inclusion and a new Department of Disability Equality and Inclusion responsible for national leadership on relevant policies and programs; 
3. a new National Disability Commission as an independent statutory authority; 
4. more accessible information and communications, and increasing the number, skills and accessibility of interpreters; 
5. a new framework and national principles for supported decision-making; 
6. major reforms to mainstream systems to dismantle barriers that prevent people with disability accessing inclusive education, open employment, and accessible, appropriate and safe housing; 
7. addressing the over-representation of people with disability in criminal justice settings and children with disability in youth detention settings; and 
8. nationally-consistent adult safeguarding laws, community visitor schemes, and an independent one-stop shop in each state and territory for reporting complaints, referrals and support.