In 2019, the Australian Government launched the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, commonly known as the Disability Royal Commission (DRC). The commission was established in response to widespread community concerns about violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation faced by people with disability. Among many organisations and advocates, Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) played a pivotal role in calling on the government to address these critical issues by establishing the Disability Royal Commission.
Throughout the DRC’s proceedings, WWDA, as the national voice for women, girls and gender diverse people with disabilities, was dedicated to ensuring that their experiences were heard and understood.
WWDA’s Role
WWDA was deeply involved in the DRC process through various activities, including:
- Presenting evidence at the Public Hearing for Women and Girls.
- Listening to and sharing the experiences of our members.
- Informing and supporting our community to participate and share their story.
- Held a live information session on the Disability Royal Commission on how to get involved.
- Submitting numerous evidence-based submissions.
- Engaging in private sessions.
- Collaborating with the DRC and other disability organisations.
- Attending forums.
- Contributing to commissioned research.
On the 29 September 2023, the DRC delivered its Final Report to the Australian Government, recommending improvements to laws, policies, structures, and practices to foster a more inclusive and just society.
On February 26, 2024, WWDA submitted its Response to the Final Report, identifying gaps in the recommendations and expressing concerns about areas that do not fully uphold the rights of people with disabilities, in line with international human rights law.
![The white logo of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People With Disability. A white heading in larger print underneath, ‘Public Hearing 23 Preventing and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in disability services (a case study) . The logo for Women With Disabilities Australia is in the bottom right corner. There are half-circles of various colours around the edges of the square.]](https://wwda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DRC-tiles-2-500x300.png)
