- Published:
- Thursday 26 May 2016
The Andrews Labor Government has welcomed the final report of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Abuse in Disability Services, tabled in the Victorian Parliament today.
The comprehensive report examines systemic issues impacting on why abuse is not reported or acted upon and makes 49 recommendations.
The Labor Government will carefully consider all recommendations, especially how Victoria reforms our safeguards, quality and oversight of specialist disability services as we transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Government welcomes the findings and acknowledges the substantial contribution of the Committee over the past year. The Parliamentary Inquiry, fulfilling an election commitment was announced by the Government in May 2015 and handed down its interim report in August 2015.
The interim report considered the strengths and weaknesses of the regulation of the disability service system and made eight recommendations to inform Victoria’s position on appropriate quality and safeguards for the NDIS.
The final report tabled today highlighted the widespread nature of abuse and neglect of people with disability and how reports of abuse and suspected abuse of people with a disability are often ignored or not adequately addressed.
The report also highlights that abuse of people with disability is a cultural problem that goes beyond quality of care, and acknowledges that disability service providers, the workforce and people with disability and their families need better supports to identify and address issues of abuse and neglect.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“I commend the work of the Committee who have shined a light on this very serious issue. Abuse of the most vulnerable people in our community is abhorrent and will not be tolerated.”
“This report will assist with the reform of our disability services and we will continue to advocate to the Commonwealth Government regarding high quality and enforceable standards and safeguards.”
“We will carefully consider all recommendations, we must get this right – we can’t afford not to.”