31 July 2024
Federal Government’s Response to the Disability Royal Commission offers little reassurance for timely and meaningful reform for students with disability
The Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education (ACIE), has 25 state and national organisational members who represent people with disability, families, students, educators, and young people across Australia. ACIE has a combined representative membership of over 1.2 million.
ACIE has significant concerns about the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. It fails to provide a comprehensive and timely response to the chronic inadequacies and failures in education systems for students with disability.
For too long many students with disability have experienced harm, neglect and at times abuse and violence as they have been faced with an education system which fails to meet their needs, afford safety, is inadequately funded and is riddled with low expectations.
Stephanie Gotlib, ACIE representative, states, “There is a critical and urgent need for the Australian Government to lead and support States and Territories to ensure that all students with disability receive a quality, inclusive and safe education. These are the rights Australia has committed to affording to all children with disability so these kids and their families need to know this is what will happen in their lifetime. Some State responses to the Disability Royal Commission are deeply concerning with no or little commitment towards progressing inclusive education, while others should be commended for their commitment to do the work needed to reform their education systems to be genuinely inclusive of students with disability.”
The Royal Commission’s findings highlighted the urgent need for Australian governments to provide national leadership and support to transition towards fully inclusive education.
“Despite compelling evidence from people with disability, their families, and education experts, the federal government’s unwillingness to support the related recommendation is a significant setback and deeply disappointing.”
ACIE welcomes all actions and initiatives that progress inclusive education, including the development of a National Inclusive Education Plan but it is incredibly concerning that the federal government has ignored the advice of disabled Commissioners Galbally and McEwin, alongside Commissioner Bennett, to commit to a fully inclusive education system.
This specific recommendation carries significant weight as it echoes the enduring struggle of the disability community for full participation and equality. Yet today the Government response was merely to “note” this recommendation” Ms Gotlib said.
Ms. Gotlib emphasises “The government must act with urgency and commitment to create an education system that respects and values every student’s human right to inclusive education. The time for empty promises is over.”
The Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education remains resolute in its advocacy for an inclusive education system that provides equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities. The time for decisive action is now.
ENDS
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