The Prime Minister has announced that a three-year Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability is to be established at a cost of $527 million.
The PM, Scott Morrison said the official signing of the Letters Patent by the Governor-General meant the Royal Commission could now begin its work.
“We have consulted extensively across Australia with people with disability, their families and carers, States and Territories, peaks representing people with disability and the disability sector, about the shape and breadth of the Royal Commission,” Mr Morrison said.
“Importantly, over 96 per cent of people responding to the survey agreed the Royal Commission should cover all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation, in all settings where they occur.”
He said more than 3,700 people responded to the public consultation on the draft terms of reference, which closed on 28 March.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher said the consultation included feedback on what kinds of advocacy or support people might need to engage with the Royal Commission.
Ronald Sackville will Chair the Royal Commission, supported by five other Royal Commissioners, Barbara Bennett, Rhonda Galbally, Andrea Mason, Alastair McEwin and John Ryan.
Mr Fletcher said the Royal Commission would look at all of the groups that provided services to people with disability.
He said these included the Government, institutions, service providers, schools, workplaces, businesses, charities and the community at large.
“The commissioners will find out how these groups can protect people with disability,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The funding anticipates the Royal Commission will run for three years and includes establishment costs and residual costs after the inquiry has finished,” the Minister said.
