Our network of independent advocacy organisations have worked hard to ensure the Disability Royal Commission upholds the rights of people with disability.
The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was established on 4 April 2019.
For the past four years, people with disability, their families and advocates have told their stories to the Disability Royal Commission.
DANA made over thirty submissions to the DRC, amplifying the voices of disability advocates around Australia.
The DRC final report was delivered on 29 September 2023.
Latest DRC News
#EndSegregation – Over fifty disability rights and advocacy organisations call for an end to segregation
People with disability and our rights and advocacy organisations are fighting to end the segregation of people with disability in Australian education, housing and workplaces.
We urge the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission) to recognise that segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination and a breach of our human rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (which Australia has signed).
If you would like to join the growing number of disability advocacy organisations and individuals who have publicly endorsed this paper, visit the DPOA website. You can also show your support for this human rights position by using the hashtag #EndSegregation on social media.
The role of advocacy highlighted in the DRC Interim Report
The Disability Royal Commission Interim Report, released on 30 October 2020, acknowledges and reflects the extremely important role of disability advocates and advocacy organisations in supporting people with disability to heard during the DRC processes. This is also evident in the numerous references to evidence given by advocates at hearings and advocacy organisations’ submissions throughout the lengthy document. “We have heard from many advocacy and representative organisations that increased advocacy is a key measure to address violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and would lead to a more inclusive society. We have also heard that there is a lack of advocacy services, including for First Nations people with disability and people with complex needs, and that existing advocacy services are under-funded.” (page 18)
Update on confidentiality of Disability Royal Commission submissions
You may remember that DANA, with other National disability peak organisations, sent a joint letter in September to the Hon. Christian Porter MP to express concern about the lack of long-term legislative protections for confidentiality. The Attorney-General published a media release on 20 October announcing these amendments will be made, indicating that: “I have instructed my department to work swiftly on the amendments, with the aim of introducing in the Autumn sittings of 2021.” DANA has been hearing from advocates that this lack of assurance is adding uncertainty and complexity to the process of making submissions or deterring people from sharing their story.
What did the DRC investigate?
The Disability Royal Commission was established in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence against, and the neglect, abuse and exploitation of, people with disability.
The Disability Royal Commission investigated:
- 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.
Our work so far
DANA, and our network of indepedent advocacy organisations, worked tirelessly to elevate the voices and stories of people with disability and their families during the DRC. You can read a summary of our work so far below:
Community engagement
Advocacy, peer support and representative organisations spent many years engaging with their networks to inform, raise awareness and get people with disability involved in the Disability Royal Commission (DRC). This formed a large part of DANA’s submission to the DRC.
Spotlight on Advocacy
The experiences and insights of indepedent advocacy organisations and their workforce were featured prominently throughout the DRC public hearings.
The extensive work of advocacy organisations during this time included: providing individual advocacy support to people with disability during the Disability Royal Commission processes; representing systemic issues through making submissions; and providing information and promoting awareness among community members about contributing their experiences.
Safe to Speak
DANA heard from many advocates around Australia supporting and engaging with people to tell their story that privacy and confidentiality concerns had emerged as a key barrier. After a request from the DRC Chair and much coordinated advocacy and campaigning, the Australian Government fulfilled their commitment to amend the legislation to extend full protections to all forms of submission.
Voices of Advocacy
DANA has worked to amplify the voices of on-the-ground advocates to ensure their insights and expertise informed the work of the DRC.