The next hearing of the Disability Royal Commission will look at criminal justice and the NDIS. This is a follow up from the hearing in February 2021, and will be asking questions of different state and territory governments, as well as the NDIS.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. This is often the direct result of the criminalisation of disability and distress. A variety of systems, such as education and the disability system, can increase the likelihood that First Peoples with disability encounter the criminal justice system. The NDIS has made these issues worse, and means more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability in the criminal justice system.
FPDN is calling for:
- The NDIS to be transparent about the numbers of First Peoples with disability in prison who are getting access to the NDIS, and the work of the Justice Liaison Officers.
- That the NDIS develop a National Justice Strategy that outlines their role in making sure that more people with disability in prison can access the NDIS, and that pathways into the criminal justice system are addressed.
- More investment by state and territory governments in disability supports in prison, as well as prison diversion programs for people with disability.
- That all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison are screened for disability six months before leaving prison, and access to the NDIS facilitated, including visits from support coordinators, service providers and advocacy services.
Tune in to the hearing on the Disability Royal Commission website.
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