People wanting to tell their stories about living with a disability at the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability can access free legal help and information through a new website launched today.

National Legal Aid Chair Brendan Thomas said the new Disability Royal Commission Legal Service website will help ensure people and their families or carers can access free independent advice about engaging with the Disability Royal Commission.

“The Disability Royal Commission Legal Service is a free national legal service providing information and advice to people wanting to participate in the Royal Commission,” Mr Thomas said.

“It is independent from the Disability Royal Commission and is a joint initiative between National Legal Aid and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services.

“Our new website accompanies our recently established phone service to help people with a disability and their families, carers, supporters and advocates navigate their way through the often-daunting processes required to have their voices heard.”

The Disability Royal Commission Legal Service will give priority to people with disability (as well as those engaging on their behalf) in particular those who:

• are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

• are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background

• who identify with LGBTIQ+

• Live-in institutions such as care facilities and prisons or detention centres.

“The website is a one-stop-shop for information about how to get legal help and making a submission to the Royal Commission and provides links to support services such as counselling and referral services, help to prepare submissions, or financial help with appearing before the commission,” Mr Thomas said.

NATSILS is developing culturally appropriate resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which will be available on the website soon.

People can access the Disability Royal Commission Legal Service online www.drclegalservice.org.au or by phone: 1800 771 800 Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 5.15pm (AEDT).