Royal Commission

About the Royal Commission

Established on 5 April 2019, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability was a far-reaching four and a half year inquiry that held 32 major hearings, received over 7,900 submissions, held 1,785 private sessions and published numerous reports. Its final report and recommendations were handed to the Governor-General on 28 September 2023.

NDS members are able to access a range of experts and resources to support them with the Disability Royal Commission.

• For an overview of what to expect from NDS and the assistance we will offer once the final report and recommendations are made public, see this NDS news update from 14 September 2023
• For the latest Royal Commission updates and analysis, see the News page
• For a list of webinars, workshops, and resources that NDS has collated for disability service providers, see the Info and Resources page
• For summaries and analysis of the 33 public hearings held by the Disability Royal Commission, see the Royal Commission Hearings page
• For further information, view our PDF flyer, WORD flyer, or contact us at submit enquiry/feedback

NDS's Position

NDS supports the Royal Commission.

People with disability, like everyone else in our community, have the right to live free of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. NDS supports human rights and zero tolerance approaches to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in all disability service organisations. All Australians should have confidence in the quality and safety of supports provided to people with disability.

NDS will not defend the indefensible. Any behaviours or practices that represent the abuse, neglect or exploitation of people with disability are unacceptable.

We will listen, in an effort to understand what has gone wrong and what needs to be done to address these failings. We will actively contribute to discussions on how to ensure disability supports are of the highest quality possible. In this spirit, NDS will engage with the sector and Royal Commission to propose solutions and innovations to assist providers to deliver high-quality, equitable and sustainable supports into the future – a future that offers choice, control and independence for people with disability.

Counselling and Advocacy Support 

If you are currently experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or are concerned for your safety, call 000 or contact Police.

If you are an employee of a service provider and are distressed by any aspects of the Royal Commission, please seek advice and assistance through your employer’s Employee Assistance Program or call LifeLine on 13 11 14. 

Advocacy, counselling and legal supports are being funded for those engaging with the Royal Commission. NDS members may need to refer clients to these organisations for support in participating in the Royal Commission.

Until 31 December 2023, the National Counselling and Referral Service can be contacted on 1800 421 468, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm AEDT Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm AEDT Sat-Sun. Further information on support services is available on the DSS website. 

If you have a question about the Royal Commission, please visit the NDS Helpdesk.