With 2021 now well and truly underway, the Disability Royal Commission is set to begin its first round of public hearings for the year.
In mid February, the Royal Commission's public hearings will focus on how people with disability are treated in the criminal justice system. Because of COVID-19 they remain closed physically to the public, but they are live streamed on their website.
The Royal Commission wants to investigate what is called the criminalisation of disability, which leads to the overrepresentation of people with cognitive disability, in our jails and criminal justice system. This especially impacts First Nations people with disability.
The commissioners will also hear about the experiences of people with extremely complex needs who have been detained indefinitely.
Chair of the Royal Commission Ronald Sackville AO QC said he thought this will challenge a lot of stereotypes in the community about the causes of crime and people who are in the criminal justice system.
It is important that the Royal Commission examine these issues so that the criminal justice system can improve and our society become a safer, fairer place for everyone.
The Disability Royal Commission was established in April 2019 in response to community concern about widespread reports of violence against, and the neglect, abuse and exploitation of, people with disability. The Commission is bound by its terms of reference to investigate the treatment of these at-risk members of the community.
Flourish Australia supports the important work of the Royal Commission. The Commission is still taking submissions, which means you can share your story, if you want to.
Sharing your experience with the Commission could help prevent others being hurt in the future. Sharing your story takes a lot of bravery and courage. The Commission understands this and will support you. Flourish Australia can also help support you, please get in touch with us today if you'd like to find out more.
