People with disability to 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.

Public hearing 31 will include evidence from people with disability, academics, experts, organisations and advocates about:

  • 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.

Witnesses who will give evidence include teenage disability advocate and educator Summer Farrelly, award winning actress and advocate Chloe Hayden and the 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO. The Royal Commission will hear from representatives of the Australian Government and the Queensland Government about their respective actions to implement the Australian Disability Strategy.

A series of creative submissions will be on display outside the hearing room as part of an exhibition including poetry, paintings and sculptures. 

The hearing will commence at 9.30am (AEST) on level 5, 1 Eagle Street Brisbane, and is open for the public to attend. An Aboriginal water blessing ceremony will be conducted as part of the official opening, as well as a Welcome to Country.

Journalists wishing to cover the hearing should notify the Royal Commission media team to ensure access to the media room and/or relevant information including schedules and live transcripts.

Chair of the Royal Commission, the Honourable Ronald Sackville AO KC, will preside over the hearing and be joined by Commissioners Barbara Bennett PSM, Dr Rhonda Galbally AC, Ms Andrea Mason OAM, Alastair McEwin AM and the Honourable John Ryan AM.

Submissions to the Royal Commission remain open until the end of the year. View the Share you story web page to find out more.

Please direct all inquiries to the Disability Royal Commission media team on 0436 841 166 or via our email DRCmedia@royalcommission.gov.au