Have your say on draft Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission

The Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services and Federal Member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, is encouraging people with disability, their families and carers to have their say on draft Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Ms Henderson welcomed the Liberal National Government’s announcement today to begin an important public consultation process to shape the scope of a Royal Commission.

“Everyone has the right to live in a safe environment without violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Ms Henderson said.

“This consultation will establish the scope of a Royal Commission and find out what support is needed for people with disability to fully participate in a Royal Commission once it is up and running.

“This is a vital first step in guiding the establishment of a Royal Commission and ensuring people with disability are firmly at the centre of shaping the inquiry,” Ms Henderson said.

Ms Henderson is encouraging people to provide feedback by completing the survey at engage.dss.gov.au.

“This is the time to provide input into the scope of the Commission. However, if you are experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or if you are concerned for your safety, you must continue to report this to the relevant authorities,” Ms Henderson said.

Consultation will be open until 28 March 2019. The survey is fully accessible and includes Auslan translations and an Easy English guide.

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