Australia Minister for Families & Social Services: Interim Report Released by Disability Royal Commission

CANBERRA, Australia, Oct. 31 -- The Australian Department of Social Services Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston, issued the following news release:

The Morrison Government today welcomed the release of the interim report from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the interim report was indicative of the complexity and scale of the Commission's inquiry.

"Violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability is unacceptable and abhorrent," Minister Ruston said.

"That's why we have invested $527.9 million to establish this important joint inquiry between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments in April last year.

"The Government is committed to strong action and is currently investing around $34 billion per year on specific programs and services to improve the lives of people with disability.

"We also committed $12.85 million for specific measures to support people with a disability experiencing family and domestic violence since 2016.

"In addition, we are working with state, territory and local governments on the next National Disability Strategy to drive real, practical improvements for Australians with disability over the coming decade.

"The NDS will be underpinned by a National Disability Employment Strategy to help increase long-term and meaningful disability employment outcomes.

"We understand there is much work to do, requiring a sustained effort at every level of government in Australia and must be guided by the voices of people with disability."

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert also thanked the Royal Commission for its important work.

"The Government is implementing the most substantial package of reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) since its rollout in 2013, including the introduction of a Participant Service Guarantee and independent assessments to ensure fair, consistent and equitable access for all Australians," Minister Robert said.

"The $706 million we are investing for these reforms will help give people with a permanent and significant disability true choice and control over a flexible support package to achieve their goals.

"We have also boosted funding to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to continue their vital role in regulating NDIS providers, and improving the quality and safety of supports received by NDIS participants.

The Morrison Government is also providing $5.9 million over the next two years to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to strengthen NDIS services within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

"This funding will improve access to culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability under the NDIS living in urban, regional and remote communities," Minister Robert said.