The ACT Government today published its formal response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).
The ACT Government has carefully considered the Royal Commission's report and the 129 recommendations relevant to the ACT. Of those recommendations for ACT action, the Government accepts 19 recommendations, accepts in principle 93 recommendations, notes two recommendations, and requires further consideration of 15 recommendations.
The ACT Government has not rejected any of the recommendations and is working closely with the Commonwealth and all states and territories on recommendations that require a national response.
Responding to the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission forms part of the ACT Government's commitment to building a community that values all people with disability.
Work is already underway in response to the Disability Royal Commission's recommendations, supported by a more than $13.9 million investment in the 2024-25 ACT Budget. This includes funding to implement the First Action Plan of the ACT Disability Strategy 2024-2033 (Strategy).
The Strategy guides how the ACT Government works to create a more inclusive Canberra with a focus on changing attitudes and building capacity across the community.
The Budget also supports the establishment of an ACT Government taskforce to progress disability reform work, including implementing the Disability Royal Commission recommendations and supporting the development and delivery of foundational supports in response to the NDIS review.
In addition, $14.4 million was allocated in the 2023-24 Budget Review to commence implementation of the Inclusive Education: A Disability Inclusion Strategy for ACT public schools 2024- 34 and the Disability Health Strategy First Action Plan 2024-2026.
The formal response to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations, together with work under these action plans, will work to promote and protect the human rights of people with disability in the ACT.
The ACT Government will continue to engage closely with people with disability, carers, families and representative organisations as we implement the recommendations.
The full ACT Government Response can be found at https://www.act.gov.au/open/act-government-response-to-the-disability-royal-commission
Quotes attributable to Andrew Barr, ACT Chief Minister:
The ACT Government welcomes the findings of the report and recognises the broad scope and depth in which the Disability Royal Commission has conducted their review.
We are committed to implementing the recommendations, to promote a more just and inclusive society that supports people with disability to be independent and live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
We are investing significant planning and funding towards initiatives that promote and protect the rights of people with disability in the ACT. Together with people with disability we are working to create a safer, more accessible Canberra for everyone.
Quotes attributable to Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Disability:
The Disability Royal Commission was the result of many years of advocacy. Through grassroots movements, people with disability and their supporters played a pivotal role in initiating the Royal Commission, turning their shared experiences into a powerful force for change.
The ACT Government has heard this important call to action. We will ensure your courage and generosity help shape generational reforms towards a safer, more inclusive and accessible Canberra.
I sincerely thank everyone who provided submissions to the Disability Royal Commission, including people with disability, carers, advocates and service providers.
Ensuring people with disability can live independent, safe and fulfilling lives is a priority for the ACT Government.
We will continue to work alongside people with disability, their supporters and the wider ACT disability community to implement the strategies and Action Plans across the whole of ACT Government to improve outcomes for people with disability.
