Respectful listening is an animated journey of the artwork developed by FPDN’s National Training and Resource Development Manager Paul Calcott for the Disability Royal Commission which explains what the Royal Commission is about. Respectful Listening is created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to engage with the work of the Disability Royal Commission using traditional art symbols and storytelling.
What is a Royal Commission?
A Royal Commission is the highest form of public enquiry, independent of government, that looks closely at a widely reported problem or issue impacting on vulnerable groups.
The job of the Royal Commission is to gather stories and evidence from people with disability who are experiencing or have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and their witnesses. Royal Commissions make recommendations to government about what should change. The Royal Commission is for all people with disability.
What does Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation mean?
- Violence If someone is hurting your body
- Abuse If someone is treating you badly
- Neglect If someone is not helping you the way they are supposed to help you
- Exploitation If someone is taking advantage of you
Who is in charge and makes decisions?
Six Commissioners have been appointed to run the Royal Commission to listen to stories and gather evidence. The Royal Commissioners are not part of the government. Our First Nations Commissioner is Andrea Mason, OAM, a Ngaanyatjarra and Kronie woman from Western Australia.
Sharing your story
Staying safe: The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability can trigger bad memories or feelings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people with disability, their families, carers and communities.
If you tell your story to the Royal Commission your identity and story is confidential and can’t be shared with anyone without your permission.
If you feel scared, unsafe or just need someone to talk to there are free services that can support you with your Royal Commission journey. Your privacy and identity will be protected by these services. Click to find the right service for you below.
Trauma and Counselling support services
Blue Knot Foundation Counselling and Referral Support phone 1800 421 468
Beyond Blue Support Service – phone 1300 224 636, webchat or email (24 hours/7 days) for free, immediate, short-term counselling, advice and referral services.
Lifeline Crisis Support – phone 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days) or chat to a crisis supporter online (7pm – midnight/7 nights). This is a confidential service providing you with support for when you feel overwhelmed, for when you have difficulty coping, or are thinking about suicide.
1800Respect – phone 1800 737 732 Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse
Relationships Australia
Disability Royal Commission Counselling Services
To access a Relationships Australia service near you, please find details below:
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Relationships Australia Canberra and Region provides services in ACT and surrounding region.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 02 6122 7100
Email: [email protected]
New South Wales (NSW)
Relationships Australia New South Wales provides services in NSW.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: (02) 9418 8800
Email: [email protected]
Victoria (VIC)
Relationships Australia Victoria provides services in VIC.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 1 800 317 387
Email: [email protected]
Tasmania (TAS)
Relationships Australia Tasmania provides services in TAS.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 1300 364 277
South Australia (SA)
Relationships Australia South Australia provides services in SA.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 1 800 577 571
Email: [email protected]
Western Australia (WA)
Relationships Australia Western Australia provides services in WA.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone: 08 6164 0180
Email: [email protected]
Northern Territory (NT)
Relationships Australia Northern Territory provides services in NT.
Website: CLICK HERE
Phone:
Darwin: (08) 8923 4999
Alice Springs: (08) 8950 4100
Email: [email protected]
If you have difficulty hearing or speaking
If you find it difficult to hear or speak you can contact us through the National Relay Service (NRS). Please phone 133 677.
Other Languages
If you require support in another language, including Indigenous languages, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) free of charge on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468.
Find an advocate to help you
If you think you might want to tell your story to the Royal Commission but need advice or support, you have the right to talk to someone about it first and decide if you want to participate. These services can help you to tell your story. Find an advocate to help near you.
find an advocate
I want to tell my story to the Royal Commission
There are a few different ways you can tell your story to the Royal Commission. You have the right to be supported by a family member, friend or someone you trust.
A Royal Commission Counselling and Support team are available to help you with counselling and support at all community forums, public hearings or private sessions,
You can share your story in your first language, including Indigenous languages and Auslan.
Find more information below.
Sharing your story
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) person with a disability, and you have experienced violence, abuse neglect or exploitation, the Royal Commission would like to hear from you. We also want to hear from families, friends, and support people of First Nations people with disability.
Information for First Nations People
Make your submission
You can make a submission in writing, over the phone, in a video or audio recording.
Make your submission now
Private Session
You can tell your story in a private session with a Commissioner. You can ask to speak privately with our First Nations Commissioner Andrea Mason.
Factsheet
Apply for a private session
Get help with your submission
If you think you might want to tell your story to the Royal Commission but need advice or support, you have the right to talk to someone about it first and decide if you want to participate. These services can help you to tell your story. Find an advocate to help near you.
Find an advocate
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I’m in an unsafe situation and I need help: If you are currently experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or are concerned for your safety call Emergency Services on 000
Your rights and who can help
If you think you might want to tell your story to the Royal Commission but need advice or support, you have the right to talk to someone about it first and decide if you want to participate. These services can help you to tell your story. Find an advocate to help near you.
Free Legal Help
Your Story Disability Legal Support
Helpline: 1800 771 800
Website: yourstorydisabilitylegal.org.au
The community-controlled Aboriginal Legal Services and Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service are all delivering Your Story Disability Legal Support as part of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services. They are run by, and for, Aboriginal communities.
Hearings & Events
Due to the Coronavirus all Hearings and Events are currently on hold. Find out when the public hearings and other events will take place
Forums
Do you have questions? Share your thoughts and views with the community in our live forums
(*your identity will remain private)
NEWS from the Royal Commission
Disability Royal Commission calls for urgent action
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is calling on all Australian governments to ensure that responses to COVID-19 include dedicated strategies and take all necessary measures to protect and support people with disability. Read More>
Statement of concern –The response to the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disability
The Royal Commission is deeply concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disability. The pandemic is an unprecedented public health, social and economic emergency that requires swift and effective action by governments, businesses and the community. Governments should ensure they take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities. Read More >
News from the Royal Commission
FPDN CEO Damian Griffis yarns with 3KND Kool N Deadly specialist Journalist Natasha Ferre about the amazing work that FPDN are doing with mob and about The Disability Royal Commission…
FPDN CEO DAMIAN GRIFFIS SPEAKS TO THE WIRE DISABILITY ROYAL COMMISSION SEEKING INSIGHTS AND EXPERTISE FROM DISABLED FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE Click the icon to Listen on The Wire 10…
The latest issues paper released by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability seeks information about the experiences of First Nations people with disability.…
Media Release: Friday 14 February 2020 The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability will begin its next hearing at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush on…
