A case study of violence, abuse and neglect of two young people to be examined in hearing

The Royal Commission’s thirty-third and final substantive public hearing will examine a number of themes heard during the course of the inquiry through the case-study of two young people living with disability in Queensland.

The case-study examines two people with disability, Kaleb and Jonathon (pseudonyms), who, after a Triple Zero call from a family friend, were found locked in their bedroom, unclothed and malnourished. Their father (also their carer) was found deceased in the home.

Through this case study, the forensic hearing will further examine the themes of the nature and extent of violence, abuse, and neglect experienced by people with disability, and the failure of natural safeguards and government departments and agencies to prevent violence, abuse and neglect.

The hearing will explore how and why Kaleb and Jonathon experienced violence, abuse, neglect and were deprived of their human rights. It will also examine:

  • the nature and extent of the violence, abuse, neglect and the deprivation of human rights they experienced whilst in their father’s care

  • whether Queensland departments and agencies that engaged with the family, could or should have acted to prevent this from occurring

  • whether the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) could or should have acted to facilitate access to National Disability Insurance Scheme funding and supports 

  • the investigations and reviews Queensland government departments and agencies, and the NDIA, did or did not do, to identify system failings which led to Kaleb and Jonathon experiencing violence, abuse and neglect, and the measures needed to avoid like-situations in the future

  • the practices and policies of Queensland government departments and agencies to include a human rights approach to promote access and deliver services to young people with disability and their families

Commissioner Alastair McEwin AM will preside over the hearing and be joined by the Honourable John Ryan AM and Commissioner Andrea Mason OAM.

The hearing will commence at 10.00am AEST on level 5, 1 Eagle St Brisbane, and is open for the public to attend. 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.

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