Sixth Progress Report from the Disability Royal Commission
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Disaiblity Royal Commission) has published their sixth progress report.
The policy roundtables outlined in the report are particularly noteworthy as they focused on a national supported decision-making framework and best practice models of guardianship. The roundtable discussions provide valuable information and insights which will assist in the Royal Commission’s considerations around guardianship and supported decision-making when making their recommendations.
Roundtable participants discussed options for reforming guardianship and administration systems in Australia. The roundtable also discussed a number of related issues including:
- restrictive practices
- advocacy
- the safeguarding effect of social inclusion
- the role of the NDIS and service providers in guardianship matters
- substitute decision-making in the health system
- financial exploitation
- dignity of risk
The purpose of the round table was not to arrive at a consensus, however, participants broadly agreed on the importance of:
- reducing the number and length of guardianship orders
- ensuring equal access to support for decision-making
- keeping safeguards simple and accessible
- education, awareness raising and capacity building alongside legal and policy reform
- ensuring supported decision-making is inclusive of First Nations people and people from culturally and lingusitcally diverse communtiies.
You can acccess the background paper to the roundtables on the Royal Commission’s website. A public hearing will be held from 21 November to 25 November 2022 to examine lived experiences of guardianship and supported decision-making and to build on the themes emergeing from the roundtables.
If you would like to share your experience of violence, neglect, abuse or exploitation with the Royal Commission, you can make a submission.
Contact the Guardian Support Unit
Contact the Guardian Support Unit on 1300 361 389 or pg.engagement@opg.nsw.gov.au.
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