The Australian Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
The Australian Government has released its response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).
The Government consulted with people with disability, families, carers, the disability sector and other stakeholders to inform its response.
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission) released its final report on 29 September 2023:
The Australian Government acknowledges the Disability Royal Commission’s extensive work over the past four and a half years, and thanks the many people with disability, their families, carers, advocates and supporters who shared their experiences, and their ideas for change, during the Disability Royal Commission’s inquiry.
Addressing the issues raised requires a national coordinated effort. This includes all governments and all members of the community.
Questionnaire – now closed
The Australian Government conducted an online questionnaire and invited submissions from interested individuals and organisations to understand which Disability Royal Commission recommendations are important to them and why.
The questionnaire closed at 11:59pm (AEDT) Friday 19 January 2024 and we thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback.
All responses have been analysed and consolidated into a Summary Report. An Easy Read version is also available.
All governments will continue to work closely with people with disability to make Australia safer, more inclusive and more accessible.
This will take time and will happen in stages. The most important and urgent actions will happen first. Further design and consultation will be undertaken on how to address longer-term reform.
More information on the Australian Government response to the Royal Commission is available on the DSS website.
Support for you
Further Support
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
If you have experienced or witnessed a person with disability being hurt, treated badly or neglected, you can report it to the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline (the Hotline).
Follow this link for more information about the Hotline.
To make a report, contact the Hotline on 1800 880 052 or visit the JobAccess website for more information.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment contact the National Relay Service (NRS) by calling 13 36 77 then asking for 1800 880 052.
If you are from a non-English speaking background you can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) by calling 13 14 50.
Send an email to: hotline@workfocus.com.
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. Call 1800 737 732, chat online via the 1800RESPECT website or text 0458 737 723.
Disability Advocacy Support Helpline
The Disability Advocacy Support Helpline (the Helpline) provides short term phone-based disability advocacy support no matter where you live in Australia.
To request disability advocacy support through the Helpline contact the Disability Gateway:
- Call 1800 643 787, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, or
- Fill out the Contact Us Form.
The Helpline may refer you to other supports in your local area based on your individual needs.
For more information about the Helpline in accessible Easy Read, Auslan and languages other than English, visit our resources page.