MS Queensland & the Royal Commission
Royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance and MS Queensland welcomes and fully supports the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission).
Recent inquiries and reports have shown that people with disability are more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation than people without disability. What we learn from the Royal Commission will help to inform Australian governments, institutions and the wider community on how to prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in the future.
We are working closely with our national advocacy arm MS Australia, to ensure people living with MS and other neurological conditions are fairly considered during the inquiry.
When does the Royal Commission start and how long will it run for?
The Royal Commission is expected to run for approximately three years with an interim report due on 30 October 2020 and a final report by 29 April 2022. It was anticipated that the Royal Commission would formally commence on 1 July 2019.
What will the Royal Commission investigate?
The Terms of Reference require the Royal Commission to inquire into what governments, institutions and the community should do to:
- prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation;
- achieve best practice in reporting, investigating and responding to violence against, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability; and
- promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
How can I make a submission?
Submissions can be made using the form available on the Royal Commission’s website. If you need assistance in making a submission, you can contact the Royal Commission on the contact details listed below.
From October 2019, the National Disability Advocacy Program will be extended to provide additional supports for people who want/need assistance to make a submission. You can use the Disability Advocacy Finder to find your closest disability advocacy support provider. A free national telephone counselling and referral service for people who are affected by the Disability Royal Commission will also be available from October 2019.
Disability Royal Commission contact details:
- by email at DRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au
- by telephone on 1800 517 199 (9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday AEDT excluding public holidays)
- by post at GPO Box 1422, Brisbane Qld 4001
Where can I find out more?
MS Queensland will continue to update this page with more information as it is available. Alternatively, you can visit the Royal Commission website for more information.
If you or someone you know would like to submit evidence or are a witness into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of someone with disability, you should call the Royal Commission hotline number on 1800 517 199.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or are concerned for their safety, call 000 or contact Police.
