What is the Disability Royal Commission?

The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) was established in April 2019 in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence against, and the neglect, abuse and exploitation of, people with disability. The Disability Royal Commission is investigating:

  • Preventing and better protecting people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse,
    neglect, and exploitation,

  • Achieving best practice in reporting, investigating, and responding to violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with disability,

  • Promoting a more inclusive society that supports people with disability to be independent
    and live free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The Disability Royal Commission is in its final stages and is expecting to deliver a report to the Prime Minister by September 2023.

In the final report, the Royal Commission will recommend how to improve laws, policies, structures, and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society.

To find out more about the Disability Royal Commission, visit their website here.

We support the DRC

We fully support the Disability Royal Commission and its efforts. The views and insights of people with disability, their families and advocates are important to shape the future of how support services are provided.

Life Without Barriers believes we will all benefit from listening to people’s personal experiences in order to recognise the standard of support for people with disability should be uncompromisingly high.

  • Read our full statement supporting the call for the DRC here.

  • Read our statement from the Board here.

Proactive submissions to the DRC

Life Without Barriers supports the view of the Disability Royal Commission to explore measures and initiatives we can take as a society to improve the experience of people with disability by providing more choices about where people with disability live, what type of accommodation they want to live in and with whom they want to live with.

We have provided this active submission to the DRC with information about our experiences and knowledge about housing availability for people with disability across our country.  

Life Without Barriers is committed to addressing this issue, both within our organisation’s activities and as a public policy matter.

You can read the Life Without Barriers Home and Living submission here.

Find the Monograph 'Towards an inclusive future' here.

How Life Without Barriers can help you

Life Without Barriers can help you access the Disability Royal Commission. To contact us with questions or support about the Disability Royal Commission email disabilityroyalcommission@lwb.org.au or call (02) 4033 4500.

Free, independent and confidential Support for people with disability, families and carers

The Disability Royal Commission raise stories and media coverage that can be troubling and upsetting. If you need support you can contact Blue Knot Foundation national hotline on 1800 421 468 (9am - 6pm AEDT Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm AEDT Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

The Australian Government also offer counselling and advocacy support services for people with disability who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and anyone who is engaging with or affected by the Disability Royal Commission.
 
Call 1800 421 468 9am to 6pm (AEST) weekdays and 9am to 5pm (AEST) weekends and national public holidays for counselling support, information and referral, or ask to be connected to a counsellor or advocate near you. Support is free, independent and confidential.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, call the National Relay Service on 133 677 and give 02 6146 1468 as the number you want to call.

Visit the Department of Social Services’ website for more information.

Resources

Contact Information

To contact Life Without Barriers about the Royal Commission email YourLWB@lwb.org.au or call (02) 4033 4500 or 1800 935 483.