This morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Terms of Reference that will guide a 3-year investigation into abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation of Australians with a disability.
While the announcement of a Royal Commission was expected, the Terms of Reference are important because they outline the detail around how the Commission will be established and importantly, how it will actually work.
Christine Dempsey says, “the Royal Commission is a win for those living or caring for someone with a disability, a win for all Australians, and is another step towards making sure we’re proactively stopping abuse or neglect in our society.”
The Royal Commission will be led by former NSW Supreme Court Judge, Ronald Sackville, but also assisted by 5 other Commissioners. Christine added, “We are really pleased that the Commissioner will be assisted by other Commissioners who have lived experience with a disability”.
Key points about the Royal Commission:
- the Commissioners are tasked with finding out how these groups can protect people with a disability;
- it will look at all groups that provide services to people with disability such as the government and large institutions (including NDIS Providers);
- it will run for 3 years with the final report due April 2022;
- it will cost $527.9M; and
- there will be a dedicated website launched in the coming months.
The Terms of Reference have been made public and cover what will be done to:
- prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation;
- achieve best practice in reporting and investigating of, and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation; and
- promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
For more information, visit the Department of Social Services website.