There has been widespread outrage from Disability Groups at the Federal Government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission Recommendations. The Government responded to 172 of the 222 recommendations, but disappointingly, only 13 were accepted in full. The Government accepted 117 recommendations in principle and is further considering 36 recommendations, noting six recommendations. Disability advocates are outraged due to the amount of labour that was put into the Disability Royal Commission by those with lived experience of disability, with 10,000 people sharing their experience of disability and often abuse at the hearings that were held across Australia. The government has committed to six monthly progress reports to keep the disability community updated as to the implementation of the changes that they've agreed to.
The recommendations that were accepted in full are:
- Review and update Australia’s disability strategy by the end of 2024 and conduct a major evaluation focussed on outcomes (starting in 2025)
- Data collection and public reporting on psychotropic medication with the view to reduce the use of chemical restraints to manage the behaviour of disabled people.
- The new Disability Employment Services model will be co-designed and ensure funding facilitates flexible employment support. Those with less than 8 hours of work capacity and volunteers who do not receive income support will be eligible.
- Develop education and training resources for Disability Employment Services staff.
- Fair Work Ombudsman referral mechanism so that unresolved matters involving allegations of serious or systemic disability discrimination are able to be investigated and enforcement action can be taken.
- Improve information about wages and the Disability Support Pension for Australian Disability Enterprises employees.
- Embed an ‘open employment first’ approach in the NDIS Participant Employment Strategy and train local area coordinators, planners and support coordinators to build knowledge, resources and capacity to assist participants to find open employment.
- Include homelessness in Australia’s Disability Strategy.
- Timing of NDIS transition supports for participants in custody with release dates not being a precondition for funding approval.
- Expand community connector programmes, increasing the number and coverage of the programs for First Nations people with disability in remote areas.
- Adequate support coordination to ensure that participants who have a higher risk of violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, particularly those living in supported housing, have funding for support coordination in their plans.
- Making complaint processes accessible within the NDIS Commission. The NDIS Commission should also assist people to secure advocacy, identify people at risk of abuse, implement a strategy for hard-to-reach groups, and ensure complainants are involved in the complaint process.
- Publishing data about the unregistered provider market including trends and risks identified within the unregistered provider market.
What is left unresolved or partially supported?
The government response regarding health was limited to people with cognitive disability, missing the opportunity to close the health inequity gap between Australians with and without disability. The government accepted in principle recommendations on inclusive education, including extending exclusionary disciplinary practises, improving policies around reasonable adjustments, developing a road map towards inclusive education, and improving funding arrangements.
There is no clear response to the proposal for a new government department and dedicated ministerial portfolio. The government has no clear direction around phasing out special schools, with the government concluding that inclusive education is a state and territory responsibility. There was also no firm commitment to phase out segregated employment. All the recommendations were to increase the sub-minimum wage paid at segregated employment. They also did not commit to phasing out group homes, saying they needed further consideration. However, they acknowledged the recommendation to improve access to alternative housing options. The recommendation to establish a disability rights act was also subject to further consideration by the government, noting that current work is taking place in similar areas.
AAPi is committed to actively advocating for stronger action and accountability. While the acceptance of some recommendations is a positive step, the limited number accepted in full is concerning. AAPi recognises the significant efforts of those with lived experience who contributed to the Royal Commission, and we share the disappointment of the disability community over the government's response.
AAPi will focus on several key actions to support the ongoing push for meaningful change:
- AAPi will continue to work alongside disability advocacy groups and other stakeholders to push for the full acceptance and implementation of all recommendations, particularly those related to health equity, inclusive education, and the phasing out of segregated employment and housing.
- AAPi will closely monitor the government's six-monthly progress reports and hold them accountable for their commitments. We will update our members and the broader community on the implementation status of key recommendations.
- We will engage in awareness campaigns to highlight the gaps in the government's response and amplify the voices of those affected by the commission's findings. AAPi will use our platform to educate the public about the importance of a comprehensive approach to disability rights and inclusion.
- AAPi will contribute to the development of policies that align with the recommendations, particularly in areas where the government response was limited or lacking. We will provide expert input to ensure that policies reflect best practices and the needs of people with disabilities. AAPi will equip psychologists with resources and training to better support individuals with disabilities, emphasising the importance of person-centred care and advocacy in professional practice.
- AAPi remains committed to advocating for a society where individuals with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and access the support they need to thrive.
For more information:
Australian Government Response to the Disability Royal Commission
Victorian Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Response to Royal Commission designed to drive meaningful change for people with disability in NSW
WA Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
ACT Government response to the Disability Royal Commission
NT Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
SA Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Tasmanian Government response to Disability Royal Commission
Queensland Government response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with disability