Labor to review disability commissioners

Concerns about potential conflicts of interest by royal commissioners appointed to look at the disability sector will be considered by a Labor government.

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John wants two disability royal commissioners replaced. (AAP)

A Labor government would review the appointment of two disability royal commissioners over potential conflicts of interest.

But the Greens have argued there is no need for a review, and the pair should be replaced.

Questions have been raised about two of the commissioners with previous responsibilities in the disability sector, John Ryan and Barbara Bennett.

The government has argued both are eminently qualified and received Australian honours for their significant contribution in their fields, rejecting any concerns about conflicts.

Labor families spokeswoman Linda Burney said it was important to take claims of conflicts of interest seriously, so people could have confidence in the inquiry.

"Labor has consistently urged the Morrison government to consult properly and meaningfully on the royal commission. It is clear this has not occurred," she said in a statement.

"A Shorten Labor government will review the appointment of the royal commissioners questions have been raised about, in consultation with people with disability and advocates."

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, who was a leading advocate for the national inquiry, said the ongoing involvement of the two commissioners was untenable.

"More than 60 disability organisations - most of Australia's peak advocacy bodies - have called for this urgent change, it should be an easy call for the Labor Party to make," he said.

"If the royal commission does not have the trust of the people it is designed to serve and deliver justice for, then it is not able to do its job properly."


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Source: AAP



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