Royal Commission needed to address abuse and neglect against people with disability
Last week, 100 academics signed an open letter to the Prime Minister urging him to hold a Royal Commission into violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability in institutional and residential settings.
In March, the Government rejected a recommendation of a cross Party Senate Committee to hold a Royal Commission.
NCOSS and its members support the call for a Royal Commission, which could:
- uncover the full extent of violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability, which is often obscured because of the closed nature of institutions;
- enable justice for people with disability through its substantial investigative powers, including the power to compel witnesses, inspect organisations and refer criminal matters to the police; and
- give people with disability who have experienced violence, neglect and abuse a much needed opportunity to tell their stories.
As we have previously argued, while the NDIS Quality And Safeguards Framework is welcome, it is an inadequate response to violence, abuse and neglect. It replicates existing systems that the Senate Inquiry demonstrated were inadequate, and only covers the minority of people with disability who will be eligible for the NDIS.
A broader response is required to address this serious issue and recognise the pain of victims and their loved ones.
You can also endorse a Civil Society Petition calling for a Royal Commission.