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A former commissioner of the long-running child abuse royal commission will soon have the power to investigate harm and abuse in NSW’s aged and disability sectors.
Robert Fitzgerald was appointed the state’s first ageing and disability commissioner by Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Saturday.
His independent office, allocated $4.1 million in the 2019/20 Budget, has been tasked with investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation in both the aged and disability sectors.
The office will also provide support to victims and administer the official community visitors program.
His powers will allow him to compel information from individuals or organisations and seize evidence as part of investigations.
The former Australian Council of Social Service president served on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse from 2013 to 2017.
Mr Fitzgerald has also worked on the federal productivity commission and headed inquiries into Australia’s aged care sector, the gambling sector and paid parental leave.
“I have spent my career helping to protect vulnerable people,” Mr Fitzgerald said in a statement.
“I look forward to ensuring the commission responds effectively where there has been harm and helping to create an environment where people feel safe in their community.”
Ms Berejiklian said NSW would not tolerate abuse, neglect and exploitation of “our most vulnerable citizens”.
Australian Associated Press
