As the Victorian Minister for Disability, and on behalf of my ministerial colleagues, I am pleased to present the Victorian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).
The Disability Royal Commission’s final report presents a significant opportunity for all governments to work together to deliver long-lasting transformational change for people with disability.
The Victorian Government acknowledges the findings of the Disability Royal Commission, and the extent of the systemic harm, abuse and discrimination that has been faced by people with disability across the country.
I also want to acknowledge the Victorians with disability who advocated for the establishment of the Disability Royal Commission and who generously shared their experiences with the Commission.
Often at great personal expense, you provided evidence in the hope of realising justice for others. Your voices, and the voices of all people with disability, must remain at the forefront of our work.
The Victorian Government welcomes the opportunity to work closely with people with disability throughout the implementation of our response to the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission. We recognise that our implementation efforts must reflect your priorities, experiences and expertise.
Implementation of the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendations will require significant and sustained collaborative effort from all governments and the community to deliver the transformative change required.
Victoria continues to advocate for a coordinated and holistic approach to implementing the national disability reforms and for these to be underpinned by meaningful engagement with people with disability.
We can only deliver quality outcomes by working closely with people with disability and taking a coordinated approach to the reforms. This means considering the findings of the Disability Royal Commission alongside the Independent Review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (‘NDIS Review’) and the National Cabinet agreement in December 2023 to work together to design the Foundational Supports system, among other changes to the NDIS.
Victoria has much to build on to implement the Disability Royal Commission recommendations and broader disability reforms.
Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan 2022-2026 seeks to improve outcomes across all life domains and is transforming the way government works with people with disability through a focus on 6 systemic reforms, including co-design.
The Victorian Government has made significant investment to improve the accessibility and inclusion of our education, transport and health services, as well as our public spaces and social housing. We have implemented legislative reforms to strengthen the rights, protections and safeguards for people with disability in Victoria.
While we have a lot to collectively be proud of in Victoria, the Disability Royal Commission and NDIS Review challenge us to do better.
This is a challenge that all levels of government, service systems and the community must rise to in order to deliver genuine inclusion for people with disability across all areas of society.
The Hon Lizzie Blandthorn
Minister for Disability
Minister for Children
Updated