The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has announced a public hearing to examine the experiences of persons with disabilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.
The Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC said subject to any significant changes in circumstances, the hearing will take place in Sydney during the week commencing 17 August, 2020.
‘The hearing is expected to gather evidence from persons with disabilities, peak advocacy groups, public health and disability experts as well as government representatives.
‘We will examine whether, in preparing for and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and other entities adequately considered measures to prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
‘It is proposed that the hearing will also examine any systemic issues that may have arisen, or been exacerbated, during the pandemic,’ said the Chair.
In April, the Royal Commission released an issues paper on Emergency Planning and Response which explored how people with disability can be severely affected by emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The issues paper sought information from people with disability, their families, advocates and experts about their experiences. It also asked for feedback about what can be done to improve the safety and wellbeing of persons with disabilities during emergencies like the pandemic.
The responses so far, cover a range of issues including accessibility of information, safeguarding and oversight practices, access to services and supports and the impacts of restrictions throughout the pandemic on persons with disabilities.
