The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has officially announced the Royal Commission, to be run by Justice Ronald Sackville over three years. The announcement followed the 2019 Federal Budget in which $528 million was set aside to fund the inquiry, including $149 million to support participation by people with disabilities.
Possability CEO Drew Beswick said the Royal Commission was an important opportunity for people with disability to have their experiences acknowledged and to help shape improvements in the disability sector.
“We take violence, neglect and abuse incredibly seriously and hope that the Royal Commission will generate some real outcomes for the rights and safety of people with disability.
“We support the broad Terms of Reference that allows the Commission to fully examine the past, while also identifying tangible and practical opportunities for improvements and action.”
The Royal Commission inquiry has also been supported by Alliance20, a group representing the largest disability services providers from around Australia, including Possability.
Collectively Alliance20 provides services to around 75,000 people with disability in every state and territory, and has over 30,000 staff working directly in disability services. The goal of the group is to shape policy that will enable choice, ensure value, minimise complexity and deliver better outcomes.
Alliance20 has offered its support as discussions continue with State Governments and other stakeholders to establish the disability Royal Commission.