Government acts to improve privacy protections for witnesses at Disability Royal Commission
By SBS News
The government plans to amend the law to better protect the confidentiality of information given to the royal commission, following long-standing criticisms from disability advocates.
The federal government is taking steps to protect the privacy of witnesses involved in a royal commission into the abuse of people with disability, after advocates warned privacy concerns were stopping people from coming forward.
Attorney-General Christian Porter on Tuesday announced plans to amend the Royal Commissions Act 1902 to protect the confidentiality of witnesses’ information both during and beyond the life of the inquiry.
He said the amendments, requested by royal commission chair Ronald Sackville, would ensure the inquiry’s work was guided by and truly reflective of people’s experiences.
