Snapshot of First Nations recommendations and responses (Volume 9)
Australian Government Response to the Disability Royal Commission
Snapshot of First Nations recommendations and responses (Volume 9)
Partnering with First Nations people with disability
What the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) found
The DRC final report:
Volume 9 focussed on the experiences of First Nations people with disability.
What the DRC found:
Existing policy and support services do not meet the needs of First Nations people with disability.
What the DRC recommended:
13 specific recommendations to improve services and supports for First Nations people with disability. These include:
- improving how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) works for First Nations participants
- introduction of a First Nations Disability Forum
- review of the Disability Sector Strengthening Plan under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap
- development of cultural safety standards for disability services
- development of a strategy to build the First Nations disability workforce in remote communities.
What the Government heard through consultation
How we engaged:
The Government asked for feedback on the DRC final report through:
- online surveys and submissions
- a Ministerial Roundtable with First Nations peak bodies and community-controlled organisations
- forums, workshops and individual meetings.
A summary of what we heard is available on the Disability Royal Commission Response Hub at www.dss.gov.au/DRC-Aus-Gov-Response.
What we heard:
There was strong support for a dedicated Forum where:
- First Nations people with disability can represent themselves and
- focus is on issues like housing, education and justice that impact First Nations people.
Better approaches are needed for NDIS supports in remote areas.
What the Government is doing
The Australian Government accepts or accepts in principle all the recommendations in Volume 9 that it has responsibility for.
The Australian Government will:
- work with First Nations people with disability to develop an NDIS First Nations Strategy
- talk to First Nations people with disability and the disability community about a First Nations Disability Forum
- improve the Disability Sector Strengthening Plan
- increase the cultural safety of supports
- build the local workforce in remote communities.
Where you can get advice and support:
13 YARN Crisis Support - 13 92 76
Lifeline Crisis Support - 13 11 14
1800Respect - 1800 737 732
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline - 1800 880 052
Disability Advocacy Support Helpline - 1800 643 787
National Relay Service - 133 677
More details on the Australian Government Response to the Disability Royal Commission at: www.dss.gov.au/DRC-Aus-Gov-Response
Acknowledgement of Country
The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community.
We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.