Greater calls for inquiry into violence and abuse
The possibility of a Royal Commission into the violence and abuse of people with disability has gained momentum after receiving more backing in the Australian Senate.
This comes after The Senate Community Affairs References Committee listed 30 recommendations on why the greater investigation was needed in November 2015.
Despite those recommendations which included a Royal Commission, no plans have yet been put forward.
Shadow Minister for Disability and Carers Carol Brown believes establishing a Royal Commission into this matter is “long overdue”.
“People with disability experience much higher rates of violence than the rest of the community, and in many cases this violence occurs in places where they are meant to be receiving support,” she says.
Earlier this year, more than 130 academics nationwide signed a ‘Civil Society Statement’ urging Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to take action on the Senate’s inquiry.
Senator Brown believes it will take a designated task force to uncover serious cases of mistreatment.
“The continued abuse of Australians with disability by people who are meant to care for them, demands a Royal Commission, she says.
“Only a Royal Commission has the weight, authority and investigative powers to examine these horrific accounts of abuse and violence against people with disability,.”
The 343 page Senate Report included various accounts of violence and abuse cases from around Australia.
Senator Brown pleas that although “we cannot erase the pain and suffering” some form of justice can still be done through a Royal Commision.
Mr Turnbull will now need to sanction the Commission before Attorney General George Brandis can establish the inquiry.