The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with disability (often referred to as the Disability Royal Commission) has identified a number of domains for their Inquiry. They are: Homes and Living, Relationships, Education and Learning, Economic Participation, Health, Justice, Individual Autonomy and Self-determination, Right to Dignity, Community Participation, and Geographical Challenges.

The first public hearing on one of the domains (Education and Learning) is in Townsville this week (4-7 November).

Our Department’s team has both legal and policy positions and will be there to assist our schools if, and or when, any information is sought – they have been advised that requests will come into the department’s legal area in the first instance which will enable DoE to have a coordinated approach to gather information sought. It’s likely that much of the information will be about policies and procedures etc that can be managed centrally. If the Commission requests information from specific schools they will make contact with the principal personally to discuss and assist.

A web page is in development to provide information on the Royal Commission and updates will be included as information becomes available –a link will be shared when the webpage is finalised.

The DoE’s team can be accessed through the email address: disabilityroyalcommission@det.nsw.edu.au