What is a Royal Commission?
A Royal Commission is an investigation, independent of government, into a matter of great importance.
Royal Commissions have broad powers to hold public hearings, call witnesses under oath and compel evidence.
Royal Commissions make recommendations to government about what should change.
Each Royal Commission has its own terms of reference, which define the issues it will investigate.
What is the Disability Royal Commission (DRC)?
The Disability Royal Commission was established April 2019, its primary aims are:
- preventing and better protecting people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation
- achieving best practice in reporting, investigating and responding to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability
- promoting a more inclusive society that supports people with disability to be independent and live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The Disability Royal Commission will investigate and report on experiences and conditions in all settings and contexts, including:
- schools
- workplaces
- jails
- group homes or boarding houses
- family homes
- hospitals
- day programs
The Disability Royal Commission gathers information through research, public hearings, the personal experiences people tell us (DRC) and submissions, private sessions, and other forums of information gathering.
The Commission will deliver a final report to the Australian Government by 29 April 2022. In this report, the Royal Commission will recommend how to improve laws, policies, structures and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society.
Waverley’s Position
Waverley wholeheartedly supports the Disability Royal Commission.
We feel that all people have the right to live a life free of abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation. As a company employing people with a range of various disabilities, we have always had in place systems and processes to introduce and support a zero tolerance to abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation. These systems and processes are just one of our core principles and therefore regularly reviewed for opportunities of improvement to further enhance their effectiveness. Waverley believe in transparency and always encourage feedback from all stakeholders to improve our position.
Should the Disability Royal Commission make requests of Waverley during these proceedings, Waverley commits to work with the Commission in a timely and ethical manner.
Submissions
Waverley support submissions employees and families make to the Commission.
To make a submission or enquiry contact:
Website: www.disability.royalcommission.gov.au/share-your-story/make-your-submission
Email: DRCenquiries@royalcommission.gov.au
Phone: 1800 517 199 (9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday AEDT excluding public holidays)
Mail: GPO Box 1422, Brisbane QLD 4001
The Commission can provide advice on legal, advocacy and counselling services for people interacting with the Disability Royal Commission.
Alternatively, you can contact the National Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468 and/or the National Legal Aid on 1800 771 800.
If you are having difficulty making a submission you can contact Ryan Khew our Group Human Resources Manager at ryan.khew@wavind.org and we can then connect you with the services that may be able to assist you with your submission.