The Australian government has released a ‘progress update’ on its consideration of the final report from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
The update provides an overview of what processes and consultations the government is undertaking prior to formally responding to the Royal Commission’s final report by mid-2024. It also outlines some of the key work already underway to build a safer and more inclusive Australia for people with disability.
The government introduced several policies and programs during the commission’s proceedings, and further reforms are set to be delivered in the coming months. It is working with DES providers to increase the quality of services delivered by monitoring and reporting provider performance, as well as introducing new Quality Guidelines. Under the guidelines, DES providers will be rated on whether their services exceed expectations, meet expectations, or require further improvement.
The government has also established a NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce that will investigate how it can reduce the risk of harm and lift the quality of disability supports people with disability are accessing.
Responding to the update, People with Disability Australia president, Marayke Jonkers said people with disability want action, closure and an end to the abuse, neglect and exploitation they continue to experience. “Our community and our representative organisations must be equal partners to ensure reforms deliver genuine change,” she said. “We need firm commitments to end the segregation of people with disability.”
More information is available on the Department of Social Services website.