Opposition Spokesperson Doubts Government’s Dedication to Disability Reform

The Royal Commission report on disability continues to be a contentious issue in the House of Representatives, with the shadow minister rejecting the minister’s assertions of implementing its recommendations.

“It is important to note that disability advocates were disappointed to learn last week that only 13 recommendations were fully accepted, despite 117 being accepted in principle, 36 set aside for further consideration, and six simply noted,” said Shadow Minister for Social Services Michael Sukkar, urging the House to discuss the matter in the Federation Chambers.

In response to the report’s findings, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth assured that her government is dedicated to implementing even those recommendations accepted “in principle.”

“I want to assure the disability community that we are taking action based on their feedback. We are fully committed to making progress and bringing about real change in all sectors of society,” Rishworth stated.

“Our government acknowledges and is committed to the vision outlined by the Disability Royal Commission, and we are determined to develop policies and provide services that realize the vision of a society where individuals with disabilities live free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”

The final report of the Royal Commission consists of 12 volumes, 6,788 pages, and 222 recommendations.

“Of these, 172 recommendations are the sole or joint responsibility of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth government has accepted, or accepted in principle, 130 of these,” Rishworth explained.

She highlighted that the commissioners had differing opinions on certain recommendations, presenting alternative options for the government to consider.

“In order to effectively implement reforms, we will collaborate with individuals with disabilities,” she affirmed.

Rishworth also emphasized the need for equal involvement from state governments in executing the proposed measures.

“States and territories will undergo a similar process to provide updates on the 50 recommendations that clearly fall within the sole responsibility of state and territory governments,” she added.

Last week, the Albanese government announced enhancements to employment opportunities for Australians with disabilities as part of a $371 million (US$245 million) package in response to the distressing accounts from the Royal Commission report.

Responding to the government’s actions, disability advocacy groups expressed disappointment with the long-awaited joint federal, state, and territory response, stating that it “fails to address the extent of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals with disabilities.”

Released in September of the previous year, the recommendations urged for the establishment of an Australian Disability Rights Act, a new government portfolio for disability, a minister for disability inclusion, and a department of disability equality and inclusion.