News and resources

This public hearing in September examined use of psychotropic medication as a chemical restraint.  A chemical restraint occurs when medication is not used to treat a diagnosed mental disorder, a physical illness or a physical condition but used for the purpose of influencing a person’s behaviour. Advocates from around the country shared their observations and insights on the topic, reflecting an over-reliance on psychotropic medication to manage behaviours and inadequate oversight mechanisms and safeguards for people with disability

Source: DANA

The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO). We are a cross-disability representative organisation, and the national voice representing people with disability in Australia. We are currently supporting a research initiative by My Care Space, a national disability platform that connects people living with a disability, their families […]

Source: AFDO

To date, the Disability Royal Commission has heard a lot from academics, researchers, and providers at their public hearings. Its extremely important that the Royal Commission hears from more people with disability at its hearings. If you would like to tell the Disability Royal Commission about your experiences trying to access safe and inclusive school […]

Source: AFDO

The Royal Commission held a public hearing in Sydney from Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 August 2020. The four days of hearings included appearances by advocates and representatives of advocacy organisations, and National peak disability representative organisations. 

Source: DANA

In a joint letter to the Hon. Christian Porter MP, we have called upon the Attorney-General to introduce legislation into the Australian Parliament to protect the confidentiality of information given to Disability Royal Commission. As it stands, a person providing information can only be guaranteed confidentiality after the Royal Commission concludes if their information was provided in a private session. If people make a written submission, it will currently only be confidential until the end of the Royal Commission.

Source: DANA

Earbus Foundation of WA works with regional, remote (and now metropolitan) communities across Western Australia to treat and reduce the high rates of ear disease and hearing loss in Aboriginal babies and children. Earbus features local Aboriginal schoolchildren’s art designs. Aboriginal children have the highest rates of ear disease in the world, despite mainstream Australia […]

Source: Deafness Forum of Australia