The Australian Government has funded Disability Rights Advocacy Service to provide advocacy support for people engaging with the Disability Royal Commission. The Disability Royal Commission wants to hear from people about their individual or shared experiences and to listen to their stories about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.  Our advocates will assist you to make your submission to the Disability Royal Commission. 

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The Disability Royal Commission can make recommendations to Government, based on the stories that they are told. By sharing your story you can contribute to making a positive difference to the lives of people living with disability in the future. The Disability Royal Commission cannot resolve individual disputes, award compensation or make any orders requiring particular actions.

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Email or phone Disability Rights Advocacy Service (Ph: 8351 9500) and we can arrange for you to talk with an Advocate who will listen to what has gone wrong for you or for someone you might know and what you believe needs to be done to fix these issues.  We will discuss with you how we can help you prepare your submission, collect any documents you might need and support you through the process, including participating in any hearings.

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You can make your submission to the Disability Royal Commission in writing, as a recording by phone / video link up (We are awaiting advice about how the Disability Royal Commission will proceed due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation as it is currently not possible to attend a public hearing in person).

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A free legal advice service is available to support people making a submission and our advocates will make sure that you can access this support.

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Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to tell their stories and there are free interpreting services available to better assist you to do this.

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Relationships Australia and the Blue Knot Foundation have been funded to provide counselling support specific to the Royal Commission. If you are affected by your contact with the Royal Commission or are reliving abuse you might have suffered in the past you should call Relationships Australia on Ph: 1800 577 571 or the Blue Knot Counselling and Referral Service on 1800 421 468​

 

If you are distressed by any aspects of the Royal Commission please seek advice and call LifeLine. (13 11 14). You might also be able to get support over the phone from the following: 

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Headspace: 1800 650 890

(Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25)

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Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

(private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25)

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QLife: 1800 184 527

(Operates 3pm-12am for LGBTQIA+ Australians)

 

Information about how to make submissions to the Disability Royal Commission can be found on their website here.

 

Need an interpreter to access this DRAS service? Auslan or spoken language – just let us know.  Interpreters are provided free of charge.