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Federal government reports progress on Royal Commission recommendations
What you need to know
- The Progress Update reports on the federal government’s review of the Disability Royal Commission recommendations.
- The government is consulting widely and will release a formal response by mid-year.
- The update reports on the creation of a taskforce to co-ordinate the responses of the Commonwealth, the states and territories, the strengthening of Australia’s disability strategy, and a commitment to an improved NDIS.
- It reports on the government’s progress on the recommendations on human rights, education, employment and housing.
The federal government has released a Progress Update on its consideration of the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) final report. It gives an overview of the government’s response so far to the Commission’s recommendations and outlines some of the key work already begun. The government will give its formal response by mid-year.
The update gives disability providers important information on the government’s direction that they can use to prepare for changes.
Key points in the update
The DRC released its report in September and, since then, the government has been reviewing the reports 222 recommendations and consulting widely with the community.
It has established a Disability Royal Commission Taskforce to coordinate a national approach to the DRC report response. It will engage with all community stakeholders and work with state and territory officials on matters of joint responsibility.
The government has strengthened Australia’s Disability Strategy through data collection and targeted action plans.
The update restates the government’s commitment to improving the NDIS, with a focus on effectiveness, participant safeguarding and fraud prevention.
In particular, the government has been considering the DRC's recommendations on human rights, education, employment and housing.
It is working closely with DES providers to increase the quality of services under a new quality framework.
Last month, the government announced a NDIS Provider and Registration Taskforce to investigate harm reduction and lift the quality of supports.
What it means for providers
The Progress Update indicates a strong government commitment to addressing the DRC's recommendations.
We expect changes to policy and practice within the disability sector.
Providers should stay engaged with the government and relevant stakeholders to be informed and adapt effectively to any changes.
Resources
The Progress Update in pdf, Word and Easy Read versions can be found on the Department of Social Services Website, where you can stay informed about developments.
By following the government's response to the DRC recommendations, organisations can prepare for changes and help build a safer and more inclusive future for people with disabilities in Australia.