Australia Set for Major Disability Reforms Following Landmark Royal Commission Report
July 31, 2024Australia is poised to enhance inclusivity for people with disabilities as the federal government prepares to respond to the findings of a royal commission.
The commission identified systemic violence and discrimination affecting approximately 4.4 million Australians, leading to a comprehensive report with 222 recommendations for government action.
Over four years, the commission gathered more than 10,000 testimonies, culminating in a 12-volume report that emphasizes the urgent need for 'transformational change' across various sectors.
Key recommendations from the report include reforms in human rights law, disability advocacy, guardianship, education, employment, the justice system, and housing.
Initially, the report set a deadline for federal and state disability ministers to respond by March 31, but this was later postponed to mid-year.
People with Disability Australia, the leading advocacy group, has urged the government to consider specific policies, including the establishment of a Disability Rights Act and a dedicated Minister for Disability Inclusion.
Among the pivotal recommendations is the call to end segregated schooling by 2051, alongside ongoing debates about the future of group homes.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about one in five Australians, or 4.4 million people, identify as having a disability, highlighting the scale of the issue.
The commission's final report, released in September 2023, is viewed as a crucial turning point for Australians with disabilities.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has indicated that the government will take the commission's findings seriously and will present an official response on Wednesday.
The Albanese government’s forthcoming response to the disability royal commission's significant report could have a profound impact on the lives of Australians living with disabilities.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site • Jul 30, 2024
Albo’s update on bombshell reportThe West Australian • Jul 30, 2024
Long-awaited response to disability report set to drop