Royal Commission must include abuse of disabled people and the terms of

reference must be broad

Sunday, 16 September

Today's announcement of a Royal Commission into aged care falls glaringly short of addressing the broader violence,
abuse and neglect of people in institutional and residential care settings, including disabled people.

Australian Greens spokesperson on disability Senator Jordon Steele-John said:

"A 2015 inquiry, referred by Senator Rachel Siewert and undertaken when Prime Minster Morrison was Minister for
Social Services, recommended an urgent Royal Commission into the widespread and shocking violence, abuse and
neglect against people with disability in institutional and residential settings.

"Since 2015 we have known that disabled people are being subjected to violence, abuse and neglect in their homes,
where they work and where they recieve services and this is our opportunity for justice; an opportunity about to be
missed by Scott Morrison, the same Minister who missed it the first time.

"I cannot understand why PM Morrison would include references to disabled people in nursing homes while neglecting
the broader disability community. The Australian Greens will not allow this opportunity to be missed."

Australia Greens spokesperson on Ageing Senator Rachel Siewert said:

"It's been clear for years now that there are significant issues with the aged car sector, from abuse and neglect to
workforce retention and conditions.

"Strong action is well and truly overdue and it's a shame we had to wait, yet again, for an investigative report to do the
job of Government.

"I chaired the senate inquiry into violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability in institutional and
residential settings and the evidence we heard was harrowing, as is the Government's inaction for 5 years.

"I hope that this Royal Commission will not be a repeat of what happened with Don Dale. Terrible images are
broadcast, the Government were pressured into finally having to do something, they call a Royal Commission and then
once it's over, won't commit to implementing the recommendations."

Media contact:

Tim Oliver (Senator Steele-John) – 0448 316 387

Lucy Cowcher-Guthrie (Senator Siewert) - 0418 401 180