Royal Commission to hold public hearing into homes and living for people with disability
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability will hold a public hearing in Melbourne from 2 to 6 December 2019.
The public hearing will be focused on homes and living for people with disability in Victoria and the Royal Commission is particularly interested in the experiences of people with a disability who have lived or who are currently living in group homes. The hearing will explore:
- the right of people with disability to choose their place of residence, including where and with whom they live
- how the group home model emerged and its impact on the housing options and the experiences of people with disability in Victoria
- the causes of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents of group homes in Victoria
- the effectiveness of laws, policies and key government agencies to protect residents with disability from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of residents in relation to group homes
- social inclusion options for living independently and alternatives to the group home model.
Senior Counsel Assisting the Royal Commission, Ms Kate Eastman SC, will be principally responsible for conducting the hearing in Melbourne.
You can apply for Leave to Appear at a Hearing of the Royal Commission on our website. Applications are due by Monday, 25 November 2019, 5:00pm (AEDT).
If you are unable or do not wish to apply in writing, or if you need assistance with your application to appear, please contact us on 1800 517 199.
The hearing will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will be livestreamed on the Royal Commission website.
The Royal Commission will be holding hearings on homes and living, as well as other key areas of investigation including the interactions between people with disability and the justice and health systems, and discrimination in employment.