HAVE YOUR SAY ON DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ROYAL COMMISSION

Ross Vasta is encouraging people with disability, their families or carers, in Bonner, to have their say on draft Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Mr Vasta welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement today to begin an important public consultation process to shape the scope of a Royal Commission.

The consultation process was announced by Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, and is open until 28 March 2019.

“Everyone has the right to live in a safe environment without violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Mr Vasta said.

“This consultation will establish the scope of a Royal Commission and find out what support is needed for people with disability to fully participate in a Royal Commission once it is up and running.

“This is a vital step in guiding the establishment of a Royal Commission and ensuring people with disability are firmly at the centre of shaping the inquiry.:

Mr Vasta is encouraging those in Bonner to provide feedback by completing the survey at www.engage.dss.gov.au

“This is the time to provide input into the scope of the Commission. However, if you are experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or if you are concerned for your safety, you must continue to report this to the relevant authorities,” Mr Vasta said.

The survey is fully accessible and includes Auslan translations and an Easy English guide.

For help to complete the survey, contact the Survey Hotline on 1800 880 052 Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm AEST, or your disability advocate for support and advice.