The Disability Royal Commission’s final report

Over the course of the Royal Commission, a total of 32 public hearings and 1785 private sessions were held across all states and territories – hearing from close to 10,000 people.

In its final report, the Royal Commission outlined an extensive plan towards a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people living with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Final Report site is twelve volumes and has 222 recommendations for change. The Final Report - Executive Summary encapsulates those recommendations.

Key findings and recommendations

Promote supported decision-making

• Supported decision-making should be embedded in guardianship and administration law and practice, and other systems over time, to ensure substitute decision-making only happens as a last resort and in the least restrictive manner.
• First Nations people and culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability are entitled to supported decision-making that is culturally safe, sensitive and responsive. This includes recognising the importance of maintaining a person’s cultural and linguistic environment and set of values.

Education for supported decision-making

• States and territories should ensure that, where legislation to this effect is not already in place, public advocates and public guardians are empowered to provide advice and assistance to people who may require decision-making support, including in relation to applications for support and representation orders.

Reduce restrictive practices

• Proposal of reforms to reduce restrictive practices (such as seclusion and physical or chemical restraints).
• Laws must be reformed to prohibit the non-therapeutic sterilisation of people living with disability.

First Nations people living with a disability

• Remove barriers to accessing the NDIS in remote areas.
• Address the lack of culturally safe disability services and supports for First Nations people living with a disability.

Safeguards in disability services

• Implement transparent policies and procedures for disability service providers to detect and respond to violence, abuse and neglect.
• Improve screening processes for disability support workers.

Independent complaint mechanisms

• Adult safeguarding laws, community visitor schemes, and an independent one-stop shop for reporting complaints are recommended.
• The Australian Government should work with states and territories to establish a national 1800 number, website and other accessible reporting tools to direct people to the independent complaint and referral mechanism in their state or territory.

Read more about the Royal Commission’s final report, visit their website.

Contact the Guardian Support Unit

Contact the Guardian Support Unit on 1300 361 389 or pg.engagement@opg.nsw.gov.au.

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