A group representing some of the nation’s largest disability service providers has lent its support to the establishment of a Royal Commission into the abuse of people with disability.
Alliance20 represents a number of major disability services providers including The Benevolent Society, Life Without Barriers, Endeavour Foundation, Cerebral Palsy Alliance and House with No Steps. Collectively Alliance20 provides services to around 75,000 people with disability in every state and territory, and has over 30,000 staff working directly in disability services.
Alliance20 spokesperson and Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers, Claire Robbs said that as providers of disability services, Alliance20 members will work with and support a disability Royal Commission and offers its support as discussions continue with State Governments and other stakeholders.
“We absolutely stand in support of people with disability and advocates in calls for a Royal Commission.”
“As service providers we have an important role to play in supporting a disability Royal Commission and the opportunity for people to have their experiences formally acknowledged and instances of abuse and neglect documented to inform change and shape the future of the disability service system under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
It is important that any Royal Commission is well considered and honours the experiences of all people with disability. The Terms of Reference must fully examine the past, including systemic issues that have led to situations of abuse and neglect, while also setting strong directions for the future.
“We would welcome the opportunity to assist with the development of a Terms of Reference, and to work with and support the Commission once it is established,” Ms Robbs said.
