Prime Minister Scott Morrison has written to the states and territories asking for their support in establishing a royal commission into abuse in the disabled sector.
New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have confirmed they are behind the inquiry, but a formal announcement is not expected until Mr Morrison hears back from the other leaders.
Federal Cabinet discussed establishing a royal commission on Tuesday night.
In his letter, Mr Morrison says he believes a joint royal commission is the way forward and is calling on all governments work together.
"I am now seeking your in-principle agreement for the establishment of a joint royal commission and the most appropriate consultation pathways to progress this important matter," he wrote.
The Prime Minister does not need the approval of the states and territories to call the probe, but has warned the scope would be limited without it given the oversight they have of the disability sector.
"I think we can all agree that violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability is abhorrent and that we should be doing all we can to ensure a safe and secure Australia," Mr Morrison wrote.
The step comes after the Prime Minister backed a motion supporting the inquiry in Federal Parliament in early February, under pressure from Labor and the Greens.
The Coalition came under significant criticism at the time, amid allegations they only supported the motion because they were afraid of losing another vote on the floor of Parliament.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also wrote to the states and territories, asking for their backing for the royal commission.
Mr Morrison has repeatedly said he was never opposed to an inquiry, but this is the first time he has expressly supported the matter.
The Disabled People’s Organisations Australia said a probe into the sector was well overdue.
"We have campaigned for a Royal Commission for many years, and we’re looking forward to working with the Federal Government to make the terms of reference inclusive of all people with disability," Therese Sands from People with Disability Australia said.
The organisation implored the Federal Government to make sure people with a disability are provided with extra services like counselling or legal advice so they can properly participate in the process.
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