A royal commission is a governmental investigation conducted in the public interest. In Australia, royal commissions hold the utmost authority when it comes to examining significant public matters. They possess extensive authority to collect information for their investigations, which includes the ability to call witnesses to testify and compel individuals or organisations to provide documents as evidence.

The establishment of the Royal Commission on Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disabilities resulted from the unwavering and persistent dedication of disability advocates. The Royal Commission’s final report outlines recommendations to improve the situations being experienced by those with a disability, with the majority involving the Federal Government who manage the NDIS, and some State Governments.

With 116 pages of recommendations, we are awaiting the response from the QLD Government about a number of aspects including that states and territories should enact legislation complementary or equivalent to the Australian Disability Rights Act, taking into account their own legal framework.

In the meantime, for anyone wishing to read the Executive Summary of the Royal Commission’s report, please visit here. If any Noosa Electorate Residents have any thoughts on the report in relation to state government, please email us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.