Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

The Disability Royal Commission was established in April 2019 in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence against, and the neglect, abuse and exploitation of, people with disability.

The NSW Government supported the establishment of the Disability Royal Commission and acknowledges the contribution the Royal Commission is making to the way the rights of people with disability are thought about and respected.

NSW Government Submission to the Disability Royal Commission

In December 2022, the NSW Government provided a whole of government submission to the Disability Royal Commission. This submission details what NSW is doing to make mainstream service systems more accessible and inclusive for the state’s more than 1.3 million people with disability.

To read the submission, take a look at the NSW Government Submission to the Disability Royal Commission.

Information on the Disability Royal Commission

The Disability Royal Commission is investigating:

• preventing and better protecting people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
• achieving best practice in reporting, investigating and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability
• promoting a more inclusive society that supports people with disability to be independent and live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Disability Royal Commission published an Interim Report on 30 October 2020. The report sets out what the Royal Commission has done in its first 15 months.

On 29 September 2023 the Disability Royal Commission will release its final report. The NSW Government will consider the final report when its released and expects to provide a whole of government response.

More information about the Disability Royal Commission, including videos of past hearings, the schedule of future hearings and reports, issue papers and submissions can be found on the Disability Royal Commission website.

Support

Each state has a counselling and advocacy services funded by the government to support people impacted by the disability Royal Commission. Information on NSW services can be found on the Australian Government Department of Social Services website.

People can also contact the National Counselling and Referral Service for counselling support, or to be referred to an independent advocate, legal service, or other support services. The number to call is 1800 421 468 or (02) 6146 1468. The service is available 9am–6pm AEDT weekdays and 9am–5pm AEDT weekends.

Contact

If you have a question about DCJs role in responding to the Disability Royal Commission please email the Department’s Disability Royal Commission Team at DisabilityRoyalCommission@dcj.nsw.gov.au.