Do you want to share your story with the Disability Royal Commission?
Do you want to name an organisation or a person when you share your story?
Read this factsheet to understand the law and your options.
Using names when you share your story with the Disability Royal Commission
It is your choice if you want to name an organisation or a person when you share your story. But there are some small risks, and steps you can take to protect yourself from these risks.
What are the risks?
Someone may try to take you to court
If you name an organisation or a person, they may get upset about what you have said and say your story damaged their reputation. This is called defamation. They might threaten, or try, to take you to court.
If you have only shared your story with the Disability Royal Commission, it is unlikely someone will win this type of court case against you. But it can still be stressful and expensive if they make you go to court.
Someone may try to mistreat you
You might be worried that if you name a person or organisation they may:
- punish you or
- make it difficult for you to access services in the future.
This should not happen. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from this.
What can I do?
If you want to name an organisation or a person when you share your story with the Disability Royal Commission, but are worried about the risks, there are some things you can do.
If you’re worried someone may try to take you to court (for defamation)
When sharing your story:
Step 1
- Tell the facts as you remember them and as clearly as you can.
Step 2
- Do not repeat the story you share with the Disability Royal Commission to other people, including on social media.
There might be additional ways you can protect yourself if you want to name an organisation or a person when sharing your story. Call Your Story Disability Legal Support for advice about your situation.
If you’re worried someone may try to mistreat you
You should get legal advice before giving information to the Disability Royal Commission. There are special ways to engage with the Disability Royal Commission that will protect your safety.
When you use the special ways to give information to the Disability Royal Commission, it is a criminal offence:
- to injure you
- to cause you disadvantage
Call Your Story Disability Legal Support for advice about your situation.
What if I am asked to give names?
If you choose not to name an organisation or a person, but the Disability Royal Commission thinks it needs to know specific names, it can ask you for them.
If the Disability Royal Commission asks you to give the name of an organisation or a person it can offer you additional protection.
Call Your Story Disability Legal Support for advice about your situation.
I have more questions
Call us on 1800 77 1800 for legal advice.
Your Story Disability Legal Support is free, independent and separate from the Disability Royal Commission. We will not pass your information to the Disability Royal Commission unless you agree. We won’t tell anybody what you tell us, unless you want us to.
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Publication date: 17/11/2023
Publication type: factsheet
Language: English,