The Coalition acknowledges the tabling of Report of the Disability Royal Commission in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
The Royal Commission was established by the Coalition in April 2019, and began to accept public submissions from 30 July that same year.
The Coalition will closely examine the Royal Commission’s report and scrutinise the Albanese Government’s response to the findings and the 222 recommendations to improve the health, housing, education, employment and legal systems for people with disabilities.
Having commenced the Royal Commission, we expect the Albanese Government to meaningfully and thoroughly respond to the report in a timely manner.
It has been a long road leading to the release of the Royal Commission’s findings, with 7,944 submissions received, 17,824 phone enquiries, 14 issues papers published and 1,785 private sessions held.
During this process the former Coalition government also agreed to Commissioner Sackville’s request to extend the Royal Commission for a further 17 months to September 2023.
The former Coalition government committed a total of $527.9 million, over five years, for the operation of the Royal Commission, including $148.8 million over three years to the Department of Social Services, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission to provide counselling services and other support to people with disability in connection with their participation in the Royal Commission.
The Opposition notes the Royal Commission’s report and acknowledges the Commission’s work.