Dear ,

Yesterday, our community had a HUGE win!

Our Greens bill to strengthen privacy protections for witnesses who give evidence to the Disability Royal Commission passed the Senate with the support of Labor and the cross-bench.

Even though they opposed the bill and voted it down in the House of Reps, losing the vote in the Senate has clearly spooked the Morrison government. 

A spokesperson for the Attorney General stated that although they support the intention of our Greens bill they voted against it because they want to take it even further with a bill of their own. 

If this logic makes no sense to you, you’re not alone!

Here’s the kicker: the government hasn't given us a date. Will you help us keep the pressure on by calling the Attorney General’s office and asking when they plan to introduce their bill?

Disabled people want to know that they are safe to tell their stories to the Disability Royal Commission, and that the evidence they give will not be used against them after the Royal Commission ends. This lack of detail is unacceptable and we’ve waited long enough.

Today, the Disability Royal Commission recommences hearings for 2021 in Brisbane on the experiences of people with cognitive impairment in the criminal justice system. That's why it’s more important than ever that our Royal Commission can hear evidence from as many people as possible.

We need to keep the pressure on the Attorney General to follow through with his promise to fix this issue. Will you call the Attorney General’s office and ask them for a date that this bill will be introduced?

   Attorney General Christian Porter

• Canberra: (02) 6277 7300
• Perth: (08) 6296 7255

Together, we can get this important change into law so that our Royal Commission can do the work to achieve justice for our community.

Yours in determination,

Jordon Steele-John
Spokesperson for Disability Rights & Services