State gives support for disability inquiry

THE Tasmanian Government says it will participate in any royal commission into the abuse and neglect of people living with disabilities.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison voiced his support for an inquiry during a visit to Tasmania at the weekend and the Government voted in favour of a Greens motion calling for its establishment on Monday, after initially delaying it in the lower house.

But Mr Morrison on Monday told parliament a royal commission would need the support of state governments to look into state-run facilities.

Mr Morrison said states and territories had previously not indicated support for a royal commission when the idea was discussed at COAG and its disability reform council, but Tasmania appears unlikely to stand in the way of any inquiry.

A spokeswoman for the Tasmanian Government said it “will participate in any royal commission, as has always been the case”.

A Launceston disability advocate urged Mr Morrison to support the royal commission at a Liberal Party event on Saturday.