First Nations People with Disability issues paper and advisory group

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released an issues paper on the experiences of First Nations people with disability – asking the public to share their views about what they think governments, institutions and communities can do to prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of First Nations peoples with disability.

The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) is interested in examples of laws, policies and practices in different settings that are not working or working well. This can be in areas such as education, healthcare, workplaces, the justice system, home, online communities, and families.

The issues paper asks 12 questions to help people and organisations to provide responses. Question 10 asks “What could be done to strengthen disability support and advocacy services for First Nations peoples with disability?”

The paper is available in a range of formats on the DRC website.

The DRC encourages responses from individuals and organisations to the issues paper by 11 September 2020, although submissions will also be accepted after that date.

Also announced this week, the DRC has set up a First Nations Peoples Strategic Advisory Group.

The expert panel of seven highly regarded First Nations people will provide support and guidance to the Royal Commission:

  • Joanna Aguis OAM, Lecturer, TAFE South Australia and Online Support Group Co-ordinator, The Deadly Deaf Mob
  • Jody Barney, Aboriginal Disability Training Consultant and Senior Fellow in Social Equity
  • Jake Briggs, Managing Director, Culture Connex
  • Damian Griffis, CEO First Peoples Disability Network
  • Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA, Co-Chair Eminent Panel and Working Group, Pathway to Treaty QLD
  • Dr Hannah McGlade, Senior Indigenous Research Fellow Curtin University, Member of the Medical Board of Australia and Member UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues.
  • Louisa Uta, member of the Elders Living with Disability Australia, First Peoples Disability Network Australia

Commissioner Andrea Mason OAM said in establishing the group, the Royal Commission is ensuring that First Nations voices are heard. It will also ensure the cultural differences faced by First Nations peoples with disability are understood