‘Mother with Children’ Artwork by Leila Constable @hunnyant
The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) will be holding their first hearing specific to First Nations people to inquire, gather evidence, and respond to key concerns on the experiences of First Nations people with disability and their families in contact with child protection systems.
The hearing will be held from Monday, 23 November 2020 to Friday, 27 November 2020 from 9.30am (Queensland/AES Time) 10.30am (NSW/AED Time). The hearing is being held in Brisbane and is not open to the public.
Find out more and watch the livestream here
Join the conversation @FPDNAus
FPDN made a video submission to the Royal Commission for this hearing. You can view the video submission below.
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.
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.
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.
