This report outlines the Commission’s findings and recommendations on the ways in which quality, safeguarding and oversight mechanisms that prevent and address violence against people with disability in institutional settings can be strengthened. The findings are based on evidence drawn from national consultations undertaken by the Commission with government, disabled people’s organisations, disability advocacy organisations, industry and academia. This evidence is supplemented by extensive independent research, a comprehensive literature review, and advice from the project Expert Reference Group.

This report comes at a time when the disability sector is undergoing significant national reform with the phased implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It sheds light on the challenges inherent to that reform process as it relates to quality, safeguarding and oversight mechanisms, and provides an independent assessment of these frameworks as they transition from the states and territories to the Commonwealth Government.

The prevalence and impact of violence against people with disability in institutional settings has received considerable attention in recent years, and the Commission’s research builds on the significant work that has taken place in relation to this issue. Inquiries that have been undertaken into this issue have called for independent, external oversight of institutional settings, more robust reporting and complaints mechanisms, and increased regulation of disability service workers.

This report has reached similar conclusions, and contains a series of recommendations to address the challenges that currently exist and may arise moving forward. The recommendations in this report, if implemented, will contribute to strengthening quality, safeguarding and oversight mechanisms that prevent and address violence against people with disability in institutional settings.

It is important to acknowledge that quality, safeguarding and oversight mechanisms are not sufficient on their own to prevent violence against people with disability in institutional settings. Building the knowledge and capacity of people with disability to recognise instances of violence, understand their rights, and effectively engage with these mechanisms is a fundamental element of achieving change and something that must happen in addition to implementing the recommendations of this report. (From the Commissioner's foreword). Record #5914