The disability royal commission has welcomed the federal government's decision to grant its request for an extension to complete its final report into the sector. 

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability chair Ronald Sackville QC requested a 17-month extension to the probe last October. 

Families Minister Anne Ruston announced the extension on Thursday night, saying it recognised the broad issues under the inquiry's terms of reference and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic - both concerns cited by the commission. 

"We remained focused on supporting people with disability, their families and supporters, advocacy groups and the disability community," Senator Rushton said. 

The final report will now be due on 29 September, 2023.