[Greens-Media] Greens call for inquiry into abuse of people with disability in institutions

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

24th November 2014

Greens call for inquiry into abuse of people with disability in institutions

The Australian Greens will introduce a motion in the Senate tomorrow calling on the Government to undertake a national inquiry into the abuse of people with disability in institutions.

"The abuse of people with disability exposed in the Four Corners and Fairfax report is shocking and the further tragedy is that we do not know how widespread this abuse is," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on disability issues said tonight.

"It is urgent that a national inquiry is carried out. It is unacceptable that a blind eye is turned to this for any longer, as has happened in past examples of abuse, including those that have necessitated the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to child sexual abuse.

"We know that people with disability are at serious risk of abuse, especially women. This is a long standing, unresolved issue for our community, and is clearly one which crosses Federal, State and Territory jurisdictions.

"If the Government refuses to initiate a national inquiry, I will refer the matter to a Senate Committee, Senator Siewert concluded.