Skip to main content

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.

violence abuse neglect and exploitation

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.

Who is in charge of the Royal Commission?

The government have appointed 6 Commissioners to run the Royal Commission who

  • Are not a part of the government
  • Include an Aboriginal Commissioner Andrea Mason, OAM.

The Commissioners’ job is to gather stories and evidence from people with disability who are experiencing or have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and their witnesses.

Read more about the Commissioners here

Royal Commission Framework

HELP AND SUPPORT

Need some help, advice or support to participate in the Disability Royal Commission? Find a free service below.

 

Legal Help

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services

Helpline 1800 771 800
Website drclegalservice.org.au

 

Advocacy Support

Need advice or someone who can help?

Find an Advocate near you

 

Staying Safe

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability can be a trigger bad memories or feelings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people with disability, their families, carers  and communities

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

I feel scared and unsafe
If you are experiencing bad memories or feelings there is someone you can talk to:

News

Keep up to date on the latest news from the Disability Royal Commission

Latest News

Do you have questions?

(*your identity will remain private)
VISIT THE FORUMS

Subscribe to our Royal Commission news updates

* indicates required

How can I find out more information?

FPDN will update this page with new information on of the Royal Commission or you can visit the Disability Royal Commission website for more information.

Contact the Disability Royal Commission

Email [email protected]

Phone 1800 517 199 or 07 3734 1900.
Telephone hotline hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, daylight savings time (excluding national public holidays.)

 

FPDN Media Timeline

FPDN Response

| Royal Commission | No Comments
Following the public release of the Disability Royal Commission's Final Report, FPDN is fully committed to amplifying the voices of our community and ensuring mob are taking a lead role…

FPDN Condensed Response

| Royal Commission | No Comments
FPDN Condensed Response The Disability Royal Commission's Final Report has been made public, FPDN want to ensure the provide responses that are well-informed and grounded in factual evidence to address…

Media Release: Australia’s Disability Representative Organisations Call for Healing

| News, Publications, Royal Commission | No Comments
The release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is a huge landmark for the disability community in Australia.…

First Nations leaders demand end to overrepresentation, indefinite detention and deaths in custody of First Peoples with disability in the criminal justice system

| News, Royal Commission | No Comments
With the public hearing commencing in Perth (Boorloo) today, First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) CEO Mr Damian Griffis has again called on the Royal Commission to establish a dedicated hearing…