A new study which analysed hundreds of harrowing submissions to the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) has highlighted the lack of action on developing real housing and support choice for people with disability.
Almost two years on from the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, there are dozens of recommendations that have not been acted on by the government.
Published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues, the new study from the Summer Foundation in collaboration with La Trobe University, reviewed hundreds of testimonies and submissions from the DRC. It found that a common theme emerged: people with disability were routinely presented with limited, unsuitable or unsafe housing and support options—if any choice was offered at all.
The study looked closely at the perspectives of adults in need of 24/7 support who were living in group homes, institutions, residential aged care or with aging parents. For many, these environments were not chosen but imposed, due to the lack of viable alternatives.
“These stories show many people with disability still don’t have choices when it comes to deciding where they live,” said Dr Kate D’Cruz, lead author and Senior Research Fellow at the Summer Foundation and adjunct at La Trobe University.
“We can’t ignore what they told the Royal Commission. These experiences must drive real reform.”
One participant recalled being told by the NDIS: “Live at mum and dad’s or live in a group home” (CoA 2023d, p. 885).
Others described the emotional and physical toll of being placed in environments that did not reflect their needs, preferences, or aspirations for independence.
In regional and remote communities, the challenges were even more stark. Families were often left without any local services, forcing people to relocate to group homes far from their communities and support networks.
The testimonies also highlighted how family members were dismissed or even penalised when raising concerns. In some cases, providers restricted family visits or sought guardianship as a means of control.“ Rather than working in partnership with families, our study found the system too often sidelines or silences them,” said Dr D’Cruz.
Even for those who do live independently, their arrangements were often fragile. Some were placed in private rentals with limited security of tenure. Others reported providers moving additional residents into homes without consent. In many cases, people were pressured to return to group settings, often under the justification of cost.
Head of Policy, Communications and Systems Change at Summer Foundation Jessica Walker said the newly-re-elected Albanese Government cannot ignore the thousands of Australians with disability who told their stories at the Royal Commission.
“What’s clear from this study is that people with disability with high support needs want more options for housing and support,” she said.
“We need to stop the flow of people into group homes, which we know places people at increased risk of violence, abuse and neglect, by committing to grow other options that provide people with more independence and inclusion in the community.
Ms Walker said all levels of government had accepted in principle Recommendation 7.42 which specifically outlines the need for improved access to alternative housing options, with limited progress to date.
“Despite the DRC and the NDIS Review calling for urgent reform in housing and living, not much has changed over the past two years for people with disability,” she said.
“The lack of action by government is also putting pressure on the sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The countless testimonies given to the Commission cannot sit on a shelf. They were a call to action, and governments must now respond with the urgency and commitment this moment demands.”
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MEDIA: For interviews with Summer Foundation Senior Research Fellow and Research Team Manager Dr Kate D’Cruz or Head of Policy, Communications and Systems Change Jessica Walker, please contact our External Affairs Lead Soman Moodley on 0421 730 854 or soman.moodley@summerfoundation.org.au
Read the article in the Australian Journal of Social Issues.