Disability Royal Commission – what you need to know Back
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​On 5 April 2019, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher announced the establishment of a 3 year, $527 million Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.

If your local government is an NDIS Accredited provider, or participates or provides services in any way with persons of disability, this Royal Commission will apply to you.

The Commissioners will look at all of the groups that provide services to people with disability including government, institutions, service providers, schools, workplaces, businesses, charities, and the community.

The Commission will look at how those who provide such services can protect people with disability. This includes looking at what has stopped the reporting of problems, looking into issues, or taking action, along with the quality and safety of all services and support. The Commission will also look at how to make society better for people with disability, highlighting examples of positive work, and recommendations for improvement.

To prepare for the Royal Commission, there are a few things you can do:

  • Conduct a review of your files for at least the last 5 years and log any complaints, circumstances, reports or concerns of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and make a full record of these along with status of action against each.
  • Ensure you notify LGIS if your local government is called to respond to the Royal Commission or you are aware of potential circumstances which could lead to a claim - as you have obligations to notify the Scheme and Insurers (particularly your Management Liability insurer).
  • Ensure your Council and executive team are engaged through this process.

How has the Royal Commission affected insurance programs? 

  • Some insurers are relying on any opportunity to decline to provide indemnity.  We have seen some insurers introducing blanket Royal Commission exclusions, reducing or removing cover altogether for abuse, and increasing renewal premiums, and deductibles substantially.   
  • Fortunately for LGIS Scheme members, who are not directly subject to the commercial insurance market, there is no change to your policy terms.

For more information, please contact your LGIS Member Services Account Manager on 9483 8888.

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