Royal Commission

About the Royal Commission

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was established on
5 April 2019.

The inquiry will cover all forms of violence against, and abuse, neglect and exploitation of, people with disability, in all settings and contexts.

For the latest Royal Commission news, see the News page.

NDS members are able to access a range of experts and resources to support them through the Disability Royal Commission.  For further information, view our flyer: PDF | WORD or email  submit enquiry/feedback.

Have you been asked to be a witness?

For those members who are asked to be witnesses during Royal Commission hearings, please submit enquiry/feedback if there is any way we can assist.

NDS's Position

NDS supports the Royal Commission. 

People with disability, like everyone else in our community, have the right to live free of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. NDS supports human rights and zero tolerance approaches to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in all disability service organisations. All Australians should have confidence in the quality and safety of supports provided to people with disability.

NDS will not defend the indefensible. Any behaviours or practices that represent the abuse, neglect or exploitation of people with disability are unacceptable.

We will listen, in an effort to understand what has gone wrong and what needs to be done to address these failings. We will actively contribute to discussions on how to ensure disability supports are of the highest quality possible. In this spirit, NDS will engage with the sector and Royal Commission to propose solutions and innovations to assist providers to deliver high-quality, equitable and sustainable supports into the future – a future that offers choice, control and independence for people with disability.

Legal, Counselling and Advocacy Support 

If you are currently experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or are concerned for your safety, call 000 or contact Police.

If you are an employee of a service provider and are distressed by any aspects of the Royal Commission, please seek advice and assistance through your employer’s Employee Assistance Program or call LifeLine on 13 11 14. 

Legal Assistance:

The Disability Royal Commission Legal Service can provide advice, information and referrals to people interested in interacting with the Disability Royal Commission.

This free service is a joint initiative of National Legal Aid and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, is independent from the Royal Commission, and aims to be trauma-informed and culturally safe.

Free call 1800 771 800, 9.15am and 5.15pm AEDT, Mon–Fri (excluding public holidays).

Information about legal financial assistance scheme is available on the Attorney-General's website.

Advocacy and counselling services:

Advocacy, counselling and legal supports are being funded for those engaging with the Royal Commission. 

NDS members may need to refer clients to these organisations for support in participating in the Royal Commission.

The National Counselling and Referral Service can be contacted on 1800 421 468, 9am to 6pm AEDT Mon-Fri and 9am to 5pm AEDT Sat-Sun. Further information on support services is available on the DSS website.