The Marshall Liberal Government will commit $5.5 million in the 2019-20 State Budget to establish a dedicated central response unit to address and coordinate the South Australian government’s response to the Commonwealth Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
This is in addition to the commitment made earlier this year that the Government would provide $3.2 million to set up a similar response unit, solely focussed on the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, a unit which has already undertaken significant work in coordinating the State’s response.
Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said it was vitally important there is a coordinated, whole of government response to the two significant Royal Commissions and that the Marshall Liberal Government fully backs both inquiries.
“The Attorney-General’s Department will oversee and coordinate the South Australian Government’s response to both Royal Commissions to ensure both responses are timely, accurate and respectful,” Ms Chapman said.
“The establishment of the Response Unit will ensure that consistent, accurate and relevant information is provided from all South Australian Government agencies and is facilitated in a timely manner to both Royal Commissions.
“The funding allocated will ensure the State Government’s response to the Commission is as efficient as possible and ensures we meet our obligations to some of South Australia’s most vulnerable,” Ms Chapman said.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the State Government welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of the establishment of a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
“Violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability is completely unacceptable and that is why this Royal Commission is so crucial,” said Minister Lensink.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade welcomed the proactive approach in the wake of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
“The Royal Commission has resulted in a raising of the bar and increased scrutiny – including a significant increase in sanctions issued to aged care facilities.
“In the shadow of Oakden, we are not waiting for the findings of the Royal Commission to act. We want to deliver best practice care to our elderly South Australians today.
“We will be the first jurisdiction in the country to trial CCTV in aged care facilities, we are building a new older persons’ mental health precinct at the Repat and we are working diligently to implement the recommendations of the Oakden Oversight Committee.”
