The NSW Government has today released its initial response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, committing to meaningful change.
To honour those who bravely shared their stories for the Royal Commission, the NSW Government is seizing the opportunity to re-shape the disability service system, increase inclusion and improve outcomes for all people with disability.
Since the Royal Commission handed down its final report in September last year, the NSW Government has partnered with the Disability Council NSW to host a number of forums with stakeholders from the disability sector to discuss the report's findings.
During this process, we listened to the voices of people with disability, advocates and service providers.
The NSW Government's initial response and reform commitments are guided by these voices and include:
- Recognising the rights and autonomy of people with disability
- Better outcomes for First Nations people with disability
- Addressing barriers to promote inclusion and access
- Building a strong ecosystem of disability supports
- Services that are safe and inclusive
Importantly, implementation of the recommendations will be undertaken in partnership with people with disability, their families and the sector.
The NSW Government recognises that meaningful change for Australians with disability can't be achieved in isolation. That's why we're also committed to working with other state, territory and Commonwealth governments towards a more equitable and inclusive Australia.
The Royal Commission was established in 2019 and investigated reports of violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation involving people with disability. It held 32 public hearings, examined 837 witnesses and received more than 10,000 submissions.
Progress reports on the recommendations will be made twice a year to the Disability Reform Ministerial Council and the community.
The NSW Government's initial response can be found here: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/disability-and-inclusion/disability-royal-commission.html
The Commonwealth Government's initial response can be found here: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/australian-government-response-to-the-disability-royal-commission
Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:
"NSW must be a place where people with disability are safe, and their rights and dignity are respected.
"Our response is the first significant step in our long-term commitment to make meaningful change for people with disability in NSW.
"We are determined to honour the strength and courage of those who shared their stories with the Royal Commission.
"The NSW Government's response is the roadmap for a safer, more inclusive NSW, a legacy paved by those who participated in the Royal Commission.
"We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with people with disability, their families and advocates to ensure that we're seizing this opportunity to make lasting change.
"The reforms before us are ambitious, but we will all work together to drive the changes people with disability deserve and have fought hard for."
