2017-12-04
The Senate has supported a motion calling on the Government to reconsider its decision and commit to a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability in institutional and residential settings.
“The abuse of people with disability in settings where they should feel safe and at home is prevalent and systemic, and the Government has no interest in truly addressing it”, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disabilities SenatorJordon Steele-John said today.
“Having initiated and chaired the senate committee inquiry into the abuse, violence and neglect of people with disability in residential settings, it is clear that we had barely scratched the surface and a Royal Commission was needed. Failure by the Government to do so means people with disability are being left behind and continue to be exposed to abuses," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.
“If the Government can change its mind on a Royal Commission into the banks, it can on the abuse, violence and neglect of people with disability.
“It took some 15 months after the senate report had been tabled for the Government to respond, and when it did the disability community were outraged”, Senator Jordon Steele-John said.
“When the Government announced it would not initiate a Royal Commission into the abuse of people with disability in institutional settings, it effectively turned its back on people with disability who deserve to feel safe in institutional settings.
“The Government must take heed to the will of the Senate and reverse its decision, every day that passes that this issue is not properly investigated, more abuse occurs”.