Royal Commission congratulates Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO

The Disability Royal Commission congratulates Dylan Alcott AO on being named Australian of the Year for 2022.

Mr Alcott is a strong advocate for people with disability who will continue to promote the rights and concerns of people with disability in his new role.  During his acceptance speech Mr Alcott said, "My purpose is changing perceptions so people with disability, people like me, can get out there and live the lives they deserve to live."

The Royal Commission also congratulates Mr Alcott on being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2022 Australia Day Honours for his distinguished service to paralympic sport, particularly to tennis, and as a role model for people with disability and to the community through a range of organisations.

In 2020, representatives from Get Skilled Access, the organisation co-founded by Dylan Alcott, gave evidence at Public hearing 9 on the pathways and barriers to open employment for people with disability. The Royal Commission acknowledges the significance of Mr Alcott being named Australian of the Year, and hopes this encourages other people with disability to take on leadership roles, and together as a society, we can all work towards the goal of living in a more inclusive society.

Anyone can participate in sharing their views for creating a more inclusive society. The Royal Commission recently announced 30 June 2022 as the final date to register for a private session and 31 December 2022 as the final date to make a submission.

If you need information in your own language about making a submission, call the Translating and Interpreting Service - external site on 131 450. Ask to be connected to 07 3734 1900.

If you are Deaf or hard of hearing or if you are a First Nations person (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) and you would like to make a submission in your language contact the Disability Royal Commission on 1800 517 199 or by email. We strongly encourage people with disability, families, carers, and advocates to make a submission, or register for a private hearing, as soon as possible for consideration in the Final Report.

The Royal Commission’s Final Report is due to be delivered to the Governor-General by 29 September 2023. Please direct all inquiries to the Disability Royal Commission Media team on 0436 841 166 or via our email DRCmedia@royalcommission.gov.au.

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