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Disability Royal Commission hearing focuses on a vision for an inclusive Australia

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hand drawn characters. one is a wheelchair user, one is a child, one is brown, one is white, some are wearing masks. words say inclusion

Public hearing 31 of the Disability Royal Commission focuses on a vision for an inclusive Australia. It explores what should be done to create a more inclusive society that supports people with disability to live independently and free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

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Content Warning 

Some of the stories and information below may contain details of abuse, neglect and mistreatment of people with disabilities. If this content causes you distress, you can find help here.

How can I attend? 

The Royal Commission’s thirty-first public hearing will be held from 12 to 16 December 2022 (Public hearing 31) at Level 5, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane.

This hearing will be open to the public and live-streamed.

The live stream and video recordings include Auslan, captions and audio-only options. Transcripts will be available in PDF and DOCX formats.

What is it about?

Public hearing 31 will focus on a vision for an inclusive Australia. It will explore what should be done to create a more inclusive society that supports people with disability to live independently and free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. It will examine the progress of the Australian Disability Strategy and how it is being implemented.

The hearing will be led by people with disability sharing what inclusion means to them and their vision for an inclusive Australia. Building on evidence previously heard about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including in Public hearing 18, the hearing will be grounded in a human rights framework.

The hearing will explore innovative models and pathways that enhance inclusion and the realisation of human rights. Evidence will be heard from people with disability, academics, experts, organisations and advocates about topics including:

  • co-design, consultation and disability leadership
  • challenging ableist attitudes and behaviours
  • universal design, accessibility and technological innovation
  • the power of media, sports and community representation
  • reforming mainstream systems and services to be more accessible and inclusive.

The Royal Commission will hear from representatives of the Australian Government and Queensland Government about their respective actions to implement the Australian Disability Strategy.

Live stream

This live stream/recording has closed captions and Auslan translations. In addition, there is an audio-only stream option. Recordings can be accessed by clicking on Event Posts in the top right-hand corner of the video frame.

Video Recordings

Check the Disability Royal Commission YouTube channel for the latest video recordings, or use the Event Post side menu in the Livestream frame above.

Witness List

Official Transcripts

Transcript Day 3 - Public hearing 31, Brisbane

Media coverage

12 December 2022

Disability Royal Commission

Media Release: People with disability share their vision for an inclusive Australia

Starting on Monday 12 December, the Disability Royal Commission is holding a five-day public hearing in Brisbane, exploring what needs to be done to create a more inclusive society that supports people with disability from all walks of life across Australia.

ABC News

Autistic Heartbreak High actress Chloé Hayden grew up thinking she 'wasn't supposed to exist'

"I grew up my whole life thinking I wasn't supposed to exist, and a very large reason for that was because I didn't see myself represented," she said.

"Young white people … that are able bodied and neurotypical see themselves without even having to consider it, because that's the norm.

"So, when a young autistic girl who doesn't act like any of these people when she watches the telly and she can't see herself … it gives us this impression that we're not supposed to be here."

13 December 2022

ABC News

Dylan Alcott issues passionate defence of the NDIS at the disability royal commission

Mr Alcott — who is not an NDIS participant — said the scheme needed to be protected and he was tired of answering negative questions about its purpose.

"[NDIS funding] is not so we can drive nice cars," he told the hearing.

"It's so people with disability can have a shower, get out of aged care facilities and … get the support in their home so they can get out and do whatever they want to do and start working."

Support Services

Your Story Disability Legal Support is a free, independent legal service that supports people with disabilities to share their stories with the Disability Royal Commission safely.

The Disability Royal Commission has set up support services for people with disabilities affected by or interacting with the Commission process. These supports include counselling, advocacy, and financial and legal help. For more information and links, read Royal Commission Support Services.

The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline is a free, independent, confidential service for reporting the mistreatment of people with disabilities. 

Contact the Disability Royal Commission 

Call 1800 517 199
Visit the Commission website 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IDEAS does information so you can do life. 

Available Resources

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