Government responses to the Disability Royal Commission

ANALYSIS

The Federal Government released its response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability on July 31, 2024. The Victorian Government has also responded to the recommendations that fall within its jurisdiction.

VCOSS will be releasing a detailed analysis of both governments’ responses in the coming weeks.

Here are the key points for now.

It was a huge Final Report

The Commission’s Final report came in 12 volumes and included 222 recommendations to improve laws, policies, structures and practices so people with disabilities can live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Not all the recommendations have been accepted

Of 172 recommendations targeted squarely at the Federal Government, 13 have been accepted in full and 117 ‘in principle’. A further six have been “noted” with 36 to be considered further. The Commonwealth has allocated $369 million in new investments announced, of this amount, $227.6 million was announced in the 2024-2025 Federal Budget.

It is a similar story with the 45 recommendations aimed at Victoria, with only 11 accepted in full.

So what’s being acted on?

The policy areas where governments have immediately agreed to act relate to:

• Employment: The Commonwealth will establish a new specialist disability employment program and Disability Employment Centre of Excellence.
• Advocacy: The Commonwealth will also create an individual disability advocacy program, while Victoria has committed to increase the sustainability of the state’s disability advocacy sector.
• Education: Victoria has accepted recommendations to improve inclusive education policies and procedures.
• Health: Both levels of government have promised to embed the right to equitable access in key policy instruments.

What’s not being acted on straight away?

The Federal Government says it needs more time to consider a proposal to establish a Commonwealth Disability Rights Act.

Meanwhile, both governments say they need more time to consider a recommendation to end segregated employment by 2034.

Victoria did not accept advice on Commission calls to phase out special/segregated education, making it clear that disability inclusion does not mean a “one-size fits all” approach.

Both governments have committed to regular progress reporting and emphasize building on existing work. While there are some positive steps forward, VCOSS acknowledges that a national alliance of Disabled Peoples Organisations and a range of other advocacy groups have expressed a level of disappointment and frustration about Australian governments’ responses. Disability advocates have highlighted that many recommendations have not been fully accepted, and stated their views that further action is needed to achieve comprehensive reform for people with disabilities in Australia.

VCOSS also notes that many initiatives rely on coordination between jurisdictions, adding to the complexity of the task before us. On a positive note, both the Commonwealth and Victorian governments acknowledge the importance of this collaboration and agree there is a pressing need for continued improvement in areas such as housing, justice, and sector development to create a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.

VCOSS will release a detailed analysis of the Australian and Victorian responses in the coming weeks.

Further reading:

• Access the Royal Commission Final report (12 volumes).
• ABC News coverage of the Final Report release
• Read the Australian Government response
• Read the Victorian Government response