The NSW Ombudsman tabled this special report to Parliament on his inquiry into the abuse and neglect of adults with disability in community settings (such as their family home). The Ombudsman’s office has responded to 206 reports of alleged abuse and neglect of adults with disability, involving their family members, partners, or other members of the community.

The report demonstrates the need for a comprehensive safeguarding approach in NSW for vulnerable adults living in the community – including an effective response to the abuse and neglect of both vulnerable adults with disability and older people.

The Ombudsman has called on the NSW government to implement the recommendations of the NSW Law Reform Commission to establish an independent statutory position of a Public Advocate with investigative functions.