Commissioners say WA tragedy underscores urgent need to keep all children safe from harm

Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess and National Children’s Rights Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris are calling for urgent government action following the deaths of a family in Western Australia.  

WA detectives are investigating the deaths of autistic teenagers Otis and Leon and their parents as a murder-suicide.  

‘We are heartbroken by the deaths of teenagers Otis and Leon and their parents, and extend our deepest condolences to all who loved them,’ said Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess. ‘While we don’t yet know all the details, it’s important that the gravity of this situation is not diminished by the fact that the two teenagers were autistic and required support. There is never a justification for family violence or murder’. 

‘We must reject the idea that disability is a burden - every child has the right to life, safety and support, and families should have access to help well before crisis.’  

National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris said the tragedy underscored the need for stronger systems to support children and families. 

‘We must stay focused on strengthening these in order to keep children and families safe,’ Commissioner Tsorbaris said.  

‘In the Keeping Kids Safe and Well report, one young person told us that ‘families don’t get enough support to understand the options for their kids with disability – they have to figure it out for themselves’.  

Commissioner Kayess said the tragedy also highlights the severe toll and family upheaval when children with disability and their families are unable to access or receive funding for appropriate support.   

‘I urge parents who are not coping and unable to keep their children safe from harm to seek emergency support,’ she said. ‘Murder is never an option’. 

‘A coronial inquest is urgently needed to ensure strong investigative powers to respond to this tragedy and to identify the underlying and systemic issues that led to the parents’ actions, and to provide a sense of justice for Otis and Leon’. 

'I call for urgent action on the 222 recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission, which found that people with disability in Australia have been systematically devalued. Without meaningful action, tragedies like this will continue.’   

Commissioner Kayess added that recent changes to the NDIS had increased distress for many families.  

‘We are seeing reforms that reduce supports or make them harder to access, leaving families anxious and frightened,’ she said.  

‘Governments must recognise the harm this is causing and act urgently - with transparency, accountability, and genuine involvement of people with disability and their families. 

'Children with disability should be equally valued in human dignity and worth.’  

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