Australia could become a more inclusive place for people with disabilities as the federal government prepares to unveil its response to a royal commission.

When the commission’s final report was released in September 2023, it was regarded as a watershed moment for Australians living with disability.

More than 10,000 stories heard over four years of public hearings, private sessions and written submissions were distilled into a 12-volume report with 222 recommendations.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the federal government would take the findings seriously.

And on Wednesday, it will finally release an official response.

The disability royal commission found “transformational change” was needed across Australian society.

It proposed reforms across a range of areas including human rights law, disability advocacy, guardianship, schooling, employment, the justice system and housing.

The report also called on the government to enact a Disability Rights Act that would enshrine the international human rights of people with disabilities in domestic law.

About one in five Australians, or 4.4 million people, identify as having a disability, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

But systemic barriers exclude them from many aspects of Australian life.

Many live in homes that do not accommodate their disabilities, others experience chronic homelessness and those who work are often paid far below minimum wage.

Children with disability face barriers to schooling as they can be discouraged from attending, socially shut out, overlooked by teachers and deprived of necessary educational resources.

Those placed in youth detention are more likely to become enmeshed in the justice system, especially if they live with a cognitive disability.

All of this can mean people with disabilities are more prone to experiencing violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect.

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This post was originally published on Michael West.