On 5 April 2019 the Australian Government announced the establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The terms of reference for the Royal Commission define the scope of the Royal Commission’s work and are included in the Commonwealth Letters Patent. The terms of reference direct the Royal Commission to inquire into all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability in all settings and contexts.

Commissioners have undertaken and contributed to the Royal Commission’s work in a variety of ways, including by direct engagement with the disability community, presiding at hearings, participating in workshops and community forums, meeting with key stakeholders and by overseeing and directing the work of the Royal Commission. These activities are addressed in more detail throughout this report.

Unless noted to the contrary, this Progress Report sets out the Royal Commission’s key activities for the period 5 April 2019 – 30 November 2019.