ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DISABILITY A REALITY

The Morrison Government this week announced that it would be writing to state and territory ministers for their support for a royal commission into abuse suffered by Australians living with a disability.

This comes after the Greens, the Labor Party and Crossbenchers attempted to move a motion to establish the royal commission in the last parliamentary sitting fortnight. The motion for debate was passed in the second week of parliamentary sittings but could not result in the establishment of the commission.

The Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, wrote ‘It is crucial that all governments work closely and collaboratively to ensure a holistic response to this issue. Accordingly, I am now seeking your in-principle agreement for the establishment of a joint royal commission and the most appropriate consultation pathways to progress this important matter.’

The Prime Minister’s letter is also reported to have raised the prospect of a cost sharing arrangement between the Commonwealth and the states and territories, with the two most recent inquires, into aged care and the banking sector, costing $100 million and $75 million respectively.

NSW Premier, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, South Australian Premier, the Hon Steven Marshall MP, Queensland Premier the Hon Annastacia Paluszczuk MP and Victorian Premier, the Hon Daniel Andrews MP have reportedly met with the Prime Minister and have thrown their support behind the proposed royal commission.

A formal announcement of the royal commission is expected to occur after the Prime Minister has consulted with other state and territory leaders.