Royal Disability Commission and First Nations People with Disability
First Nations People are 5 times more likely to live with a disability then non-first nations people. This is a significant barrier for First Nations People, yet their voices and experiences are not adequately being heard in the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) according to the First People’s Disability Network Australia. The DRC encourages NDIS Service Providers to support First Nations Participants to have their voice heard in a step to address this barrier.
To help assist NDIS Providers, and First Nations People with disability to amplify First Nations voices we have compiled some frequently asked questions about making a DRC submission. The DRC previously released an Issue Paper specifically focused on the challenges and experiences of First Nations People. Submissions are currently open and will close on the 11th of September 2020.
Who can make a submission?
The DRC want to hear from anyone with a disability, and their families, carers and supporters wanting to share their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
This specific issue paper focuses on First Nations People and their experiences, however there are other issues papers for people who do not identify as a First Nations Person currently open as well. For more information please see DRC Issues Papers.
How do I make a submission?
The DRC accepts submissions in any language by letter, telephone, e-mail, video, audio recording or online. If you are a person with disability and would like someone to help you make a submission your advocate, carer, or support network can also help you.
You may also make a submission through a private session. In a private session, your experience, identity, and anything you disclose is protected from disclosure by law except in exceptional circumstances. The DRC outlines under what circumstances they may have to disclose your experience or identity.
Translation and interpreting services are also made available if required for all forms of submissions.
Do I have to disclose my identity?
Submissions can be made in a number of ways to protect your identity and experience. In your submission you can choose to have your information used in the following ways:
Public – published on website
your identity and experience may be published in publicly available documents and website forums.
Anonymous – published on website
your experience may be published in publicly available documents and website forums, however your identity will be concealed.
Anonymous – not published on website
your identity and experience will not be published on website forums, however, may be used in a de-identified form in other public reports or materials.
Restricted
your identity and experience will not be made published in any format
it is important to note that your experience or identity may be disclosed at the conclusion of the Royal Commission under subpoena or freedom of information legislation.
Unsure
you are not certain which option you would prefer and would like someone to discuss it with you further. Someone will contact you from the DRC if you select this option.
If you are unsure or wish to understand your options further, you can get free independent legal advice by calling 1800 771 800.
What do I include in the submission?
The DRC outlines a number of things you can include in your submission, but the main thing to communicate is your experience. You can include:
what happened in your experience
your experience of reporting what happened
how your experience was responded to
what you would like to see change
anything you may have submitted to a government agency, complaints body, or to the police, and / or,
anything else you feel relates to your experience.
Submissions can also include:
images
drawings or paintings, and / or,
additional information on a submission you had previously submitted.
If you submit your experience online, the following questions are asked, however it is important to note you are not required to answer every or any of the questions:
What would you like to share with the Royal Commission about your experiences or knowledge of violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation of people with disability?
Have you shared these experiences with anyone before? Who did you tell and what happened?
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Are there any suggestions or recommendations you would like to share, including any examples of what worked well, or ideas for how things could be done better? You might also like to tell us about any people that have supported you.
In a few sentences, what would you like to tell our nation about your hopes for the future?
Further assistance
The DRC provides a number of resources to assist you in preparing, making your submission and following your submission. This includes:
If you have any further questions relating to Disability Royal Commission, their website provides valuable information including easy reads, AUSLAN videos and contact details.