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Guide Dogs Australia – Response to the Disability Royal Commission

Guide Dogs Australia acknowledges and welcomes the Final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability tabled today in the Australian Parliament.

The Final report is a product of the significant work and dedication from people across Australia. Conducted over four years and hearing from more than 10,000 people,  the Royal Commission has identified instances of discrimination, exclusion and structural barriers to accessing supports and services.

The report contains 222 recommendations across 12 volumes to promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence and rights of people with disability. Some of the key with recommendations covering a range of areas, include:

• The introduction of an Australian Disability Rights Act to strengthen protection of the rights of people with disability and meet Australia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• A new Australian Government portfolio specifically responsible for disability, a new Minister for Disability Inclusion and a new Department of Disability Equality and Inclusion responsible for national leadership on relevant policies and programs
• A new National Disability Commission as an independent statutory authority
• More accessible information and communications, and increasing the number, skills and accessibility of interpreters
• A new framework and national principles for supported decision-making
• Major reforms to mainstream systems to dismantle barriers that prevent people with disability accessing inclusive education, open employment, and accessible, appropriate and safe housing
• Increasing culturally safe disability services and supports for First Nations people with disability, and removing barriers to the NDIS in remote and very remote communities
• Nationally-consistent adult safeguarding laws, community visitor schemes, and an independent one-stop shop in each state and territory for reporting complaints, referrals and support.

The Royal Commission has recommended the Australian Government and state and territory governments publish written responses to the Final report by 31 March 2024.

Guide Dogs Australia is committed to ensuring the voices of the low vision and blind community play a significant role in ensuring the recommendations become reality. We look forward to working with governments and the broader community to ensure a more inclusive society.

Support in response to the Disability Royal Commission Findings

With the final report of the Disability Royal Commission handed down, Guide Dogs is conscious that the process and findings may be overwhelming for you and our community.

As recommended by the Disability Royal Commission anyone can seek support from Blue Knot Foundation’s National Counselling and Referral Service who offers free, specialist counselling support and a referral service for people with disability, their families and carers, and anyone affected by the Disability Royal Commission. You can contact them on 1800 421 468.

If you require general information about the Royal Commission Report you can contact Guide Dogs Australia via email at advocacy@guidedogs.com.au.