The Disability Royal Commission: A vital call for reform

It’s time to make long-overdue reforms and offer equity to all Australians, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability is a crucial inquiry that aims to address the deep-seated issues surrounding the treatment of people with disabilities in Australia. Initiated in April 2019 in response to widespread reports of maltreatment, this Royal Commission represents a significant step towards rectifying injustices and ensuring a more inclusive society for all Australians. While it may not have garnered as much media attention as the Robodebt Royal Commission, its importance is undeniable, and it offers a glimmer of hope for those advocating for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

The Royal Commission was established to delve into the distressing accounts of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation faced by individuals with disabilities, highlighting the systemic failures that perpetuated these issues. The report that emerged from this comprehensive investigation presented a broad spectrum of recommendations intended to rectify these problems. These recommendations encompass changes to laws, policies, structures, and practices, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more inclusive and just society. As Bill Shorten, the Minister for Government Services, remarked, “We understand that this nation can and should do better.” The report exposed the harrowing reality of the experiences of many in the disability sector, pushing for swift and substantive action.

One of the report’s pivotal recommendations is the introduction of a disability rights Act, an idea passionately supported by Australian Greens Senator Jordan Steele-John. Such legislation would provide a comprehensive framework to uphold the rights of disabled individuals, as articulated under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. What makes this proposed act all-encompassing is its intention to cover both public and private services, creating a holistic approach to protecting and promoting the rights of people with disabilities. This Act would also serve as the foundation for establishing a disability commission, which would enable individuals to file complaints related to ableism, segregation, or abuse. These complaints would then be investigated, and consequences enforced.

The critical role of a disability rights Act and the associated commission cannot be overstated. People with disabilities have long endured violence and abuse, but the Royal Commission provided a national mechanism to address these issues. By instituting the disability rights Act and maintaining this mechanism for complaints and redress, Australia takes a significant step toward ensuring the rights and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities are upheld and protected. This Act, when enacted, would signify Australia’s commitment to a more inclusive, just, and equitable society, where people with disabilities can live their lives with dignity and without fear.

Despite Australia’s self-perception as an inclusive and just society, its track record on addressing the concerns of people with disabilities – or many other marginalised group – is far from perfect. This calls for immediate attention and action, and it should be a matter of bipartisan support, and a process which would reinforce the nation’s commitment to securing a fair go for all Australians, with special emphasis on those with disabilities. This is not only an ethical imperative but also a testament to the nation’s dedication to upholding human rights and fostering inclusivity.

Australia’s failure to protect a vulnerable group in society

The distressing reality of the Disability Royal Commission is a painful testament to the systemic neglect and maltreatment of some of the most vulnerable members of society. The release of the report has laid bare a grim truth: Australia’s system has failed those who needed it most, individuals with disabilities who should have been provided with the support and care necessary to function optimally in society.

The report’s findings are indeed disheartening, and they reinforce the urgency of the situation. Even though not all details of the report have been thoroughly reviewed, the glimpses that have been shared in media summaries are deeply upsetting. People who rely on society’s support to lead fulfilling lives are being systematically mistreated, abused, and denied their basic rights. The report stands as a stark reminder of the profound responsibility that society holds in safeguarding the rights and well-being of its most marginalized members.

Bill Shorten deserves credit for acknowledging the report’s findings and expressing his commitment to implementing its recommendations. The fact that there are 223 recommendations within the report is both a testament to its comprehensiveness and an indication of the enormity of the task at hand. It’s important to acknowledge that rectifying the systemic issues and failures revealed by the Royal Commission will be a long-term endeavour, one that may extend beyond Shorten’s tenure as a government minister. But the urgency of the matter dictates that we must begin the process of reform without delay.

The Royal Commission was commissioned by the former Liberal–National Coalition government, making it clear that this issue should transcends political divides. However, the many recommendations included in the report are only the first step. To bring about meaningful change, ongoing support from ministers and advocates within the political system is crucial. The responsibility for implementing these changes does not rest solely with the government, but it necessitates a cross-party effort to ensure that the recommendations are effectively put into action.

The disappointing political response from the opposition, particularly from the Shadow Minister for Social Services, Michael Sukkar – who primarily played political point-scoring games by ignoring the content of the Commission’s report and focusing on the $527 million funding provided by the Coalition when they were in government – emphasises the need for a united and non-partisan approach to addressing the issues raised by the Royal Commission. The wellbeing and rights of people with disabilities should be above politics, and there should be a shared commitment to making necessary changes.

The Disability Royal Commission is a stark reminder of the need for a profound and urgent transformation in how society treats and supports individuals with disabilities. The comprehensive report and its 223 recommendations offer a roadmap to rectify systemic issues and provide a more inclusive, just, and empathetic society.

To achieve these changes, it is crucial that political leaders set aside their differences and work together to ensure the wellbeing and rights of people with disabilities are safeguarded, as should have been the case all along. It’s time to make these long-overdue reforms a reality and offer equity to all Australians, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.