Media Release by The Hon Paul Fletcher MP

Public consultation for Royal Commission Terms of Reference starts today

The Liberal National Government will today commence a consultation process with people with disability and their families concerning draft Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, said the commencement of this public consultation phase follows consultation last week with national peak organisations representing people with disability and last week’s meeting of the Disability Reform Council (DRC), comprising the Commonwealth and all State and Territory governments.

“We are working methodically through the necessary steps so that we can be in a position in coming weeks to seek the Governor-General’s approval to establish a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability,” Mr Fletcher said.

Through last week’s meeting of the DRC, as well as correspondence between the Prime Minister and State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers, the States and Territories have been asked for – and have agreed to provide – in principle support to hold such a Royal Commission.

“The Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission must clearly place people with disability at the centre.

That is why it is now very important that we take the opportunity to consult more broadly with people with disability, their families and carers, and other stakeholders.

Mr Fletcher said the consultation process gives an opportunity for people with disability, their families, carers, disability advocates and the broader community, to have their say on the scope of a Royal Commission.

The process also asks what supports are needed for people to fully participate in a Royal Commission once it is up and running.

To have your say, go to engage.dss.gov.au, which is fully accessible and includes Auslan translations and an Easy English guide. Consultation will be open until 28 March 2019.

If you need help to contribute, contact the Survey Hotline on 1800 880 052 Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm AEST, or your disability advocate for support and advice.