The issues facing First Nations Tasmanians living with disability will be heard this week, with the Disability Royal Commission resuming community visits postponed due to COVID-19.
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability will this week hold meetings with representatives from a range of First Nations organisations in Tasmania.
Commissioner Andrea Mason OAM said it was critical they were able to hear first-hand from First Nations people with disability about their experiences.
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"Before COVID-19 we travelled to a range of communities, including Palm Island, Cherbourg, Logan and Ipswich in Queensland and Darwin, Alice Springs and Papunya in the Northern Territory," she said.
"Now it's safe to do so, we are continuing our schedule of community visits, so that we can ensure that the voices of First Nations people with disability are heard and reflected in the recommendations for change to prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability."
The Royal Commission's First Nations engagement team will be visiting Smithton, Burnie, Wynyard, Devonport, Launceston and Hobart between February 22 and 26.
It also hopes to visit Flinders Island and Cape Barren Island later this year.
People can share their story with the Royal Commission by phone, in writing or by making an audio or video recording.
Free legal and counselling support is also available. More information can be found here.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
