Disability Royal Commission
⚠️ Content note: This page and the resources contained make references to violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and child sexual abuse. Please click here to access details of support services.
About the Disability Royal Commision
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability – also called the Disability Royal Commission – started in 2019.
A Royal Commission is an independent investigation into issues of public importance. The commissioners are appointed by the government.
The Disability Royal Commission did research, heard evidence and received almost 8000 submissions from people with disability and other witnesses talking about their experiences.
On 29 September 2023, the Final Report was made available to the public. This page includes information about what the Royal Commission findings and recommendations will mean for children and young people with disability.
Children and young people with disability do not get the opportunity to engage in their communities, education and employment at the same level as their non-disabled peers. This places them are at greater risk of experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation across any place or system and throughout their life course.
This information might be upsetting to read. You can find contact details for support services at the bottom of this page.
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Education
CYDA calls for equity in education through:
- A review of supports for children with disability in early childhood education and care
- A commitment to phase out segregated education for all students.
Inclusive Employment
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Restrictive Practices
CYDA welcomes Disability Royal Commission report, but calls for a more ambitious plan to end segregated education
Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) welcomes the release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Between 2019 and 2022, CYDA provided 22 submissions to the Disability Royal Commission on the issues that impact children and young people with disability, and their families and caregivers.
We also supported young people with disability to speak out about their experiences at Royal Commission hearings and presented evidence from our research and surveys.
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories.
We understand that some of the information relating to the Disability Royal Commission may be distressing to read. If you would like further support please reach out to the support services below.
The National Counselling and Referral Service for Complex Trauma / Disability Specific
- Blue Knot Foundation - 1800 421 468
Other Counselling Support Services
If you need counselling support for any reason:
- Lifeline – call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – call 1300 224 636
- Yarning SafeNStrong (First Nations) - call 1800 95 95 63
- Rainbow Door (LGBTQIA+) - call 1800 729 367
- QLife (LGBTQIA+) - call 1800 184 527
- Kids Helpline - call 1800 551 800
Note: Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline and QLife all have webchat options on their websites for those who prefer or require written/text-based communication. Lifeline also offers a 24 hour text line.
Many other disability organisations have also developed information that may help you understand different parts of the report that may be relevant for you.
