Legislation has passed the Australian parliament today to protect confidential information provided to a Royal Commission beyond the life of the Royal Commission.

With the passage of the Royal Commissions Amendment (Protection of Information) Bill 2021, The Royal Commission will now be able to guarantee the confidentiality of submissions and other sensitive information both during and beyond the term of its inquiry.

Amendments to the Royal Commissions Act 1902 were necessary to remove a significant barrier that has prevented people with disability, or people on their behalf, engaging with the Royal Commission.

Chair of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, the Hon Ronald Sackville AO QC, requested amendments to the Royal Commissions Act 1902 in letters to the Prime Minister in February and September 2020. People with disability and disability advocates also requested the changes.

Submissions may be made to the Disability Royal Commission by telephone on 1800 517 199, via email at DRCEnquiries@royalcommission.gov.au, or through the Royal Commission website.