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

nswadc@adc.nsw.gov.au

Ageing and Disability Commission

General Enquiries

02 4904 7500

Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM

commissioner@adc.nsw.gov.au

www.adc.nsw.gov.au

Official Community Visitors 02 9407 1831

ocv@adc.nsw.gov.au

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

”