Two years on: South Australia still waiting on Disability Royal Commission reform

Two years after the Disability Royal Commission called for urgent systemic change, people with disability in South Australia are still waiting to see that call for change answered.

JFA Purple Orange is calling on the State Government to follow through on its obligations and act with urgency.

“People with disability were told to wait for the Royal Commission, then wait for the response, and now we’re waiting again for action. It’s been two years. The time for waiting is over,” said Belle Owen, Manager Policy and Projects at JFA Purple Orange.

Several key recommendations under South Australia’s responsibility remain “subject to further consideration”. Without clear plans, timeframes or investment, progress on these critical areas is still uncertain.

“These aren’t minor items,” said Ms Owen. “They include inclusive education, accessible housing, ending segregated employment, and justice system reform – the very systems people are still struggling to access every day.”

Independent advocacy is essential, not optional

South Australia remains the only state in Australia that does not fund independent disability advocacy. To change that, JFA Purple Orange is calling for urgent investment of $3.4 million to support three essential streams of independent advocacy – individual, systemic, and peer/representative.

“Independent advocacy helps people with disability navigate complex, underfunded and often inaccessible systems,” said Ms Owen. “It ensures people are treated fairly, have their rights upheld, and have support when things go wrong.”

The Disability Royal Commission identified advocacy as a key safeguard – especially in areas like education, housing, healthcare and justice – where people are at higher risk of being excluded, harmed or ignored.

“Without advocacy, disabled people risk being excluded from essential systems – with lasting impacts on health, finances and community connection.” Ms Owen said.

What we’re calling for

With the state election approaching, JFA Purple Orange is calling on all political parties to:

• Commit to a clear, time-bound implementation plan for the Disability Royal Commission recommendations
• Immediately fund independent disability advocacy in South Australia
• Deliver measurable progress on recommendations currently under “further consideration”

South Australia is being left behind

Disability-related complaints continue to top the list at the Equal Opportunity Commission each year, with many involving state-run systems such as education.

“While the Premier talks about building a fairer, more inclusive South Australia, people with disability are still being left behind by systems that remain inaccessible,” said Ms Owen.

Further information and interviews

Marissa Brown - Leader, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 8373 8388, email: media@juliafarr.org.au

About JFA Purple Orange

JFA Purple Orange is a social profit organisation with a mission to create a more inclusive world where people with disability have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.

Our work is grounded in lived experience and focuses on systemic advocacy, co-designed projects and peer networks, training and consulting, as well as a small grants program.

We connect people with disability to good information and to each other, and collaborate with stakeholders to influence policy and practice that fosters genuine inclusion.