The terms note that the Commission should look into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability “in all settings and contexts,” including disability support services, schools, workplaces, homes and hospitals. The terms are broad, a move that Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher says is deliberate to ensure that they account for a greater number of people at risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The draft Terms of Reference give The Royal Commission the scope to consider:
- All forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability
- In all settings, but with a particular focus on what governments, institutions and the community should do to prevent and respond.
The draft terms specifically require and authorise inquiry into:
- what governments, institutions and the community should do to prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation;
- what governments, institutions and the community should do to achieve best practice to encourage reporting and effective responses to such conduct, including addressing failures in reporting, investigating and responding; and
- what should be done to promote a more inclusive society which supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The terms also encourage consideration of:
- all aspects of quality and safety of services, including informal supports, provided by governments, institutions and the community to people with disability;
- the specific needs of people with disability and their personal circumstances;
- the critical role families, carers, advocates, the workforce and others play in providing care and support to people with disability; and
- examples of good practice and models of innovation.
2/4/2019