Wednesday, February 12, 2025

WA releases Disability Royal Commission reforms roadmap

A roadmap to guide the implementation of reforms recommended by the Disability Royal Commission has been released today by the Western Australian Government.

The WA Disability Royal Commission Implementation Roadmap outlines a whole-of-government approach and a commitment to working with people with disability and their families and carers to implement the reforms.

Established in 2019, the Royal Commission ran for more than four years and heard from almost 10,000 Australians who shared their stories in public hearings, submissions or private sessions.

It identified instances of discrimination, exclusion and structural barriers to accessing supports and services, producing an insight into the challenges experienced by many people with disability in Australia.

“The Disability Royal Commission recommendations are transformational and represent a significant program of work within the disability ecosystem,” said Disability Services Minister, Don Punch.

“The Western Australian Government is taking a whole-of-government approach to implementing these important reforms and better prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.”

The Royal Commission’s Final Report contained 222 recommendations for change that aim to make Australia a more inclusive society that promotes and upholds the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

In July, the State Government committed to accepting, accepting in principle or accepting in part, 100 of the 132 recommendations. The 32 remaining recommendations will be considered further, the Government said in a statement.

The roadmap is underpinned by five guiding principles: valuing lived experience, integrating sector expertise, taking a whole-of-government approach, ensuring ongoing refinement and improvement, and accountability.

It will also provide key timeframes for when recommendations will be implemented, as well as identify short-term priority actions and work underway to develop positions for the remaining 32 recommendations. 

“Implementation of these recommendations will bring about meaningful and lasting change to make WA a safer, more inclusive place,” said Minister Punch.

“It will result in improved legal protections, safer services, and greater accessibility for people living with disability.  

“We are committed to implementing these important reforms and working with people with disability and their families and carers, to inform implementation.” 

Read the WA Disability Royal Commission Implementation Roadmap here.

Latest Articles