Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

Appointed by Letters Patent issued by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove on 4 April 2019, on the advice of the Morrison government after a Senate resolution calling for it. The commissioners were the Hon Ronald Sackville AO QC (chair), Barbara Bennett PSM, Dr Rhonda Galbally AC, Andrea Mason OAM, Alastair McEwin AM and the Hon John Ryan AM. The terms of reference covered preventing and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability in all settings, and achieving best practice in reporting, investigation and response, while leaving matters within the aged care royal commission to that inquiry. State governments also issued their own instruments so that it could inquire jointly. An interim report was due by 30 October 2020 and a final report by 29 April 2022; the final date was later extended to 29 September 2023, largely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legislation: Royal Commissions Act 1902

1. 13 September 2019The Hon Roslyn Atkinson AO appointed a seventh Commissioner.
2. 30 October 2020Interim report presented.

The final report (12 volumes, 222 recommendations) was presented to the Governor-General on 28 September 2023 and tabled on 29 September 2023. The commissioners split on some recommendations, including the phasing out of segregated education, group homes and sheltered employment; its proposals included a Disability Rights Act and a national disability commission.

• Public hearings and private sessions on violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability
• Inquiry into education, employment, housing, health, justice and service settings
• Recommendations on prevention, reporting and response

Last in the portfolio of Attorney-General's Department.

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