- Western Australia responds to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
- The Cook Government has responded to the 132 recommendations applicable to WA
- WA Response provides an opportunity to address the challenges faced by people with disability by making WA safer, more accessible and more inclusive
The Cook Government has today formally responded to the findings of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Established in 2019, the Royal Commission ran for four and a half years and heard from almost 10,000 Australians who shared their stories in public hearings, submissions or private sessions.
It identified instances of discrimination, exclusion and structural barriers to accessing supports and services, producing an insight into the challenges experienced by many people with disability in Australia.
The Royal Commission Final Report, released in September 2023, contains 222 recommendations for change that aim to make Australia a more inclusive society that promotes and upholds the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Significant work has been undertaken across Government to develop a response to the 132 recommendations relevant to Western Australia.
The State Government has committed to accepting, accepting in principle or accepting in part, 100 of the 132 recommendations. The 32 remaining recommendations will be considered further.
Implementing the recommendations is a long-term project taking a whole-of-Government approach and co-ordination across national disability reform including recommendations from the National Disability Insurance Scheme Review.
The State Government is committed to working through the recommendations in consultation with people with disability, their families and carers, disability services sector, and the broader community to deliver better outcomes for people with disability.
You can read the WA Government's response to the Royal Commission Final Report online athttps://www.wa.gov.au/government/royal-commission-violence-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation-of-people-disability
As stated by Disability Services Minister Don Punch:
"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to those people who shared their stories and experiences with the Disability Royal Commission. I am deeply appreciative of their contribution and efforts to create the change needed to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia.
"Ialso recognise people with disability and many supporters who campaigned tirelessly for this Royal Commission. The outcomes from this process will be the result of your perseverance and great bravery.
"The Cook Government has undertaken significant work and taken time to carefully consider the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission.
"While some of the recommendations have already been addressed through past work and some are underway, we want to ensure the priorities of people with disability, their families and carers are front and centre of this work going forward."
