These are the burning questions we're asking - and answers we've gotten so far

How will whistleblowers be protected under the Royal Commission?

Each state has whistleblower legislation.

Some people have said that there are issues for whistleblowers, because the Royal Commission documents can be FOIed after it's finished.

We are recommending that people seek legal advice through the Royal Commission legal advice line.

For some people, going through a third party to tell their story may work for them. 

It is a good idea to seek legal advice about your circumstance.

Can I tell my historic abuse story?

The Royal Commission covers all aspects of abuse and there is no time limit.

How will conflicts of interest be managed in the Royal Commission?

The Royal Commission says that conflicts will be managed.

A conflict of interest is when someone can't make a decision because they are involved in something related to that decision.
There has been a lot of talk about two of the public servants in the Royal Commission.

Some disabled people are boycotting the Royal Commission because of this.

The statement by the Royal Commissioners is here.

What about redress?

Redress is a payment made to people who have experienced abuse.
The last Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse had a Redress scheme.

We think it would be very bad if they did not have a Redress scheme for the Disability Royal Commission.

There has been no statement made by the Royal Commission nor the government on Redress. 

What happens for people who don't use spoken language?

We think there needs to be a very big focus on supported decision making and on helping people with communication.

We know that many people who have experienced abuse won't get to hear about the Royal Commission.

We hope that they will be supported to tell their stories.

We also hope that there will be a focus on believing disabled people.

What is the money that has been allocated to DSS and the NDIA for?

We know that DSS have been allocated nearly $117 million dollars.
We know that the NDIA has been allocated $27.6 million dollars and the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission has been allocated $4.25 million.

We don't know what the money is for.

What about schools?

Schools, jails, family homes and all other settings are covered by the Royal Commission.

How can I help make the Royal Commission better?

Follow us on Facebook and spread the word, especially for disconnected people.

Be courageous, because telling your story might mean that others won't share your experience.

Seek out the company of other disabled people telling their stories and support them in telling theirs.

Make sure that the Royal Commission stays accountable to survivors and that the voice of disabled people is always centred.

It's OUR Royal Commission.  Let's make it work.

Does this cover breaches of my human and disability rights?

The Royal Commission makes reference to not only the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but other Conventions.

You can find out more about the UNCRPD here.
There is an easy English version here.