09 Jun Royal Commission – First Nations People with Disability issues paper released

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation has today released the latest issues paper seeking information about the experiences of First Nations people with disability.

Data shows that a disproportionate number of First Nations people live with a disability or some form of long term health condition. Previous studies and inquiries have found that compared to the general population, First Nations people with disability are more likely to:

• have experienced threats of physical violence
• have poorer health outcomes than other Australians with disability
• have experienced problems accessing health services
• have been removed and/or had relatives removed from their family
• experience high or very high levels of psychological distress
• be detained due to a cognitive disability, foetal alcohol syndrome or other impairment
• be reliant on government pensions or allowances as their main source of personal income and less likely to be studying and in jobs.

Commissioner Andrea Mason OAM is inviting First Nations people with disability, their families, communities and organisations to respond to the issues paper here, Read the full news article and find more information on the Royal Commission website here.