Royal Commission to visit northern Tasmania

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is holding two community forums and two information sessions in the Tasmanian cities of Burnie and Launceston on 17 and 18 March, 2020.

People with disability and their families and supporters are invited to attend a community forum. Community forums are an opportunity for people to share their stories with Commissioners and staff. The Royal Commission can provide supports to anyone wanting to share their story at a community forum.

It is important to note that these forums are not open to organisations including service providers and government agencies.

Royal Commission Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC emphasised the importance of visiting areas outside the major capital cities to give people an opportunity to learn more about the Royal Commission and to share their stories.

‘We choose the areas we visit carefully,’ Chair Sackville said.

‘Usually they are areas with a relatively high proportion of people with disability. We know that from the statistical information that is available that both Burnie and Launceston fall into this category.’

In addition to community forums, the Royal Commission is also holding two information sessions for organisations, including services providers, government representatives and the general public.

Information sessions are open to everyone and will include an opportunity for attendees to ask questions of Royal Commission staff. People will not be able to share their story in an information session. Anyone wishing to do so should consider attending a community forum, making a submission, or applying for a private session with a Commissioner.

Details about the submissions process and private sessions can be found on the Royal Commission website.

The Royal Commission strongly recommends people register for community forums and information sessions in advance.

Community forums and information sessions will be accessible and there will be live captioning and Auslan - English interpreters.

Event details

Community Forums (for people with disability, their families and supporters)

Burnie
Date: Tuesday 17 March 2020
Time: 10 am – 12 noon
Location: Burnie Arts and Function Centre, 77-79 Wilmot Street, Burnie.
Register for this forum

Launceston
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2020
Time: 10 am – 12 noon
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 29 Cameron Street, Launceston.
Register for this forum

Information Session (for organisations and the general public)

Burnie
Date: Tuesday 17 March 2020
Time: 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Burnie Arts and Function Centre, 77-79 Wilmot Street, Burnie.
Register for this session

Launceston
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2020
Time:  2 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 29 Cameron Street, Launceston.
Register for this session.