ROYAL COMMISSION INTO VIOLENCE, ABUSE, NEGLECT AND EXPLOITATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

Artwork by Uncle Paul Constable-Calcott
Artwork Story
Shows a person with disability being protected by Elders (the law makers) who are facing out to be protective of individuals, community and family. The shield represents protection from services. both non-Indigenous and Indigenous that might want to do the wrong thing.

What is a Royal Commission?

A royal commission is the highest form of public enquiry that looks closely at a widely reported problem or issue impacting on vulnerable groups.

On Friday 5 April 2019 The Prime Minister announced that there will be a royal commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability (royal commission). It is supported by all state and territory governments in Australia and is funded by the federal government.

The government have already consulted with many disability advocacy organisations, including FPDN, and the wider community about what should be included in this royal commission and together have written guidelines known as the Terms of Reference (ToR). The Attorney General has signed a letters patent which includes the ToR and means the Royal Commission has officially started.

Who is it for?

The Royal Commission is for all people with:

• physical disability – affects the way your body moves or works
• sensory disability – affects your senses such as sight or hearing
• intellectual disability – affects the way you think
• psychosocial disability – mental health, anxiety

Regardless of age, sex, gender, ethnic origin or race and includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

Who have experienced:

• Violence
• Abuse
• Neglect
• Exploitation

In all settings and contexts including, but not limited to, institutions, group homes, workplaces, respite care, home care, day programs, mental health facilities, prisons, schools, out of home care, transport, hospitals, aged care, family homes, mainstream services and in community.