PWDA Reacts to the Australian Government’s Response to the Disability Royal Commission

Government’s DRC response might lead to small adjustments but won’t deliver the massive shift needed to end abuse, neglect and violence for people with disability.

31 July 2024

Government’s DRC response might lead to small adjustments but won’t deliver the massive shift needed to end abuse, neglect and violence for people with disability.

Today’s release of the Australian Government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission has not gone far enough to ensure an end to the violence, abuse, neglect and exclusion that people with disability spoke of during the Royal Commission.

We have seen some welcome indicators, such as the investment in Disability Discrimination Law reform and some early steps towards the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices. However, our community want to see an end to segregation and this report has not demonstrated the vision or actions needed for this to be a reality.

“Where to now? It’s co-design because we have six months until the government tables their next report. We must see a different narrative. We can correct the course. We look forward to being equal partners with government in bringing the Royal Commission’s vision of a fully inclusive society to life, and that work must start now,” said PWDA President Marayke Jonkers.

“To see an end to segregation, we need large-scale change, political will and most importantly people with disability having equitable leadership as part of the decision-making process. What this means is that there is a process where no decision is made about us without us all. We need decision makers to understand this is not just a saying, it is a demand for equity and inclusion that will bring about real change,” said Megan Spindler-Smith, PWDA’s Deputy CEO.

“Along with other Disability Representative Organisations, we are calling for the formation of a Disability Reform Implementation Council that includes people with disability to work on the recommendations that are accepted, accepted in principle and also those noted or not yet accepted.

“The community needs to see real and fundamental change that brings about inclusive communities, promotes respect and dignity and where violence and abuse of people with disability is left in the past. This report does not go far enough to making that a reality and we will keep working with all levels of government until we get the action needed to feel safe and included in our everyday lives,” Ms Jonkers said.

ENDS