Disability Royal Commission
The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) in Australia is a significant national inquiry established to investigate violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation experienced by people with disability.
About the Disability Royal Commission
The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) in Australia is a significant national inquiry established to investigate violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation experienced by people with disability.
Launched in April 2019, the commission covered a wide array of settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities, and within the justice system.
The primary objective of the DRC was to uncover the systemic failures that contribute to these issues, amplify the voices of individuals with disability, and recommend reforms to ensure their safety, dignity, and inclusion in society.
The DRC Final Report was delivered to the Australian Government in September 2023, consisting of 12 volumes, with 222 recommendations for change.
Latest updates
31 July 2024 - Government response to the Disability Royal Commission
The Australian Government has released its official response to the Disability Royal Commission – an extensive inquiry into the abuse, neglect, and exploitation experienced by people with disability.
Previous updates
July 2023 - Public Consultation Report
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has released their Public Consultation Report on the recommendations of the DRC. Read more about the public consultation report.
March 2023 - release of Progress Report from DSS
The DSS has released a Progress Update on the Disability Royal Commission, outlining the Australian Government's review of the Final Report, planned consultations before responding to recommendations, and key actions already taken to address issues raised during the inquiry. You can read the full report on the DSS website (Download PDF, 4.6Mb).
What's next?
Now the Government have formally responded to the recommendations of the DRC, the focus will shift to the implementation of the accepted recommendations.
Progress on implementing the recommendations will be reported every six months to a ministerial council, ensuring ongoing oversight and coordination across federal, state, and territory levels.
The Government also plans to conduct further consultations on more complex recommendations, such as those related to segregated education and supported employee wages.
Read the full response on the Department of Social Services website.
The DRC Final report
