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Ageing and Disability Commission
NSW AGEING
AND DISABILITY
COMMISSION
Ageing and Disability Commission
OVERVIEWThe Commission started 1 July 2019
• Reviews and inquiries highlighted
the need to better respond to
allegations of abuse, neglect and
exploitation of adults with disability
and older people.
• The Commission now fills a critical
gap that was not previously
addressed by complaint and
investigative bodies in NSW.
WHY
The Commission has a focus on adults with
disability and older people who are subject
to, or at risk of, abuse, neglect or
exploitation by someone they know in their
home or in the community. We aim to:
• Protect and promote the rights of adults
with disability and older people.
• Protect adults with disability and older
people from abuse, neglect and
exploitation.
OUR PURPOSE
Ageing and Disability Commission
The Commission covers three areas
Community Engagement
Manage Enquiries and Reports
Advise and Inform Government
WHAT WE DO
Ageing and Disability Commission
The Commission:
• Raises awareness and educates the public about abuse,
neglect and exploitation of adults with disability and
older people.
• Provides advice and assistance to the public about
matters relating to the abuse, neglect and exploitation of
adults with disability and older people.
• Partners with relevant government and non-government
organisations to promote the rights of older people and
adults with disability.
Communications materials are available for use, that
identify the rights of older people and adults with
disability, and how to contact the Helpline.
Material designed for service providers to help spot
signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation is also
available.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Ageing and Disability Commission
The Commission:
• Deals with allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation
of adults with disability and older people.
• Refers to other agencies when the matter may not be
within the Commission’s domain or influence.
• Conducts investigations, and takes further action if
needed, in order to protect the adult at the heart of the
report.
EAHRU is now part of the Commission. It is called
the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline.
MANAGE ENQUIRIES AND REPORTS
Ageing and Disability Commission
The Commission will:
• Inquire into and report on systemic issues relating to the
abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with disability
and older people, or issues about the protection and
promotion of their rights.
• Advise and make recommendations to the Minister
relating the abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults with
disability and older people.
The Commission is independent. This means the
Commissioner can provide advice to government
without direction of the Minister.
ADVISE AND INFORM GOVERNMENT
The Commission has taken oversight of the
Official Community Visitors scheme.
Ageing and Disability Commission
REPORTING
Anyone who has reasonable grounds to
believe that an adult with disability or older
adult is subject to, or at risk of, abuse, neglect
or exploitation.
• Reporters can be anonymous.
• Reporters have protections under the
law.
• Reports can be made to our Helpline: by
phone, email or online.
WHO CAN REPORT?
Any allegations or concerns of abuse, neglect or
exploitation, including:
• Financial abuse or exploitation
• Neglect – including failing to provide access
to health care, or social isolation
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse or exploitation
• Psychological and emotional abuse –
including verbal abuse
WHAT CAN BE REPORTED?
Ageing and Disability Commission
There are many ways the Commission responds
to enquiries and reports
PROVIDE INFORMATION & SUPPORT: The Helpline may provide information and
support on the call. The report may also be assigned to the Community Support &
Investigation Team, who can explore the matter further. This will help to better
understand what actions are needed, and how best to respond.
ENGAGE OTHER PROFESSIONALS: Depending on the report, we may share
information, or part of it, to another body. This may include the NSW Police, the
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, or the Aged Care Quality and Safety
Commission.
INVESTIGATE: We may conduct an investigation. If this occurs, the Commission will
seek consent of the adult at the heart of the report (if appropriate). Following an
investigation, further action may be taken. This could be making an application to a
court or tribunal. The intention is always to improve the safety of the adult, and
uphold their rights.
RESPONDING TO REPORTS
Ageing and Disability Commission
Ageing and Disability Abuse
Helpline
1800 628 221
Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM
Ageing and Disability Commission
General Enquiries
02 4904 7500
Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM
www.adc.nsw.gov.au
Official Community Visitors 02 9407 1831
CONTACT US
Ageing and Disability Commission
“Every older person
and adult with
disability has the right
to feel safe, respected
and dignified in their
home, and in the
community
”