Member update – Commissioners for Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Former Federal Court judge Ronald Sackville AO QC has been appointed the Chair of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. He will be assisted by:
- Barbara Bennett PSM
- Rhonda Galbally AC
- Andrea Mason OAM
- Alistair McEwin
- Hon John Ryan AM
There will be six commissioners to examine violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
QDN was pleased to see the allocation of almost $528 million in the Federal Budget for the conduct of the Royal Commission over five years, with $149 million to be used for counselling and other supports to assist people with disability to participate.
The three year royal commission will be based in Brisbane and will travel the country seeking evidence.
The Terms of Reference, detailed in the Letters Patent, indicate that the Commission should inquire into what should be done to:
- prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
- achieve best practice in reporting, investigating and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
- promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
It will cover all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability, in all settings and context.
The Commission is to report by 29 April 2022.