National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021
Submission 56
Disability Services Board
A Board established under the Disability Act 2006 30/570 Bourke Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 telephone: 03 8608 5784 facsimile: 03 8608 5765
05 November 2021
Committee Secretary Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Via email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au
Dear Senate Standing Committee
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021
I refer to the current inquiry by the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021.
About the Disability Services Board (DSB)
The DSB is a unique body in Australia established under the Disability Act 2006 (VIC) to represent and express the interests of adults and children with a disability and disability services. With our combined experience and expertise in the disability sector, we receive and provide advice to the Victorian Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing and the Disability Services Commissioner.
Disability Servicer Board Legacy Report
Whilst the DSB has not made a submission to directly address the specific contents of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021, in February 2021, the DSB resolved to undertake a review of its work since its establishment in 2006.
The review was undertaken in the context of the ever-changing landscape within which disability services are provided to Victorians living with disability, with a view to informing the future of disability services regulation and complaints handling in Victoria in terms of governance, quality and oversight. As the NDIS matures and Participants strive to achieve optimum benefit from the scheme’s operations, the DSB’s insights may be relevant and valuable in the framing of legislation that will effectively and efficiently safeguard Participants’ interests and wellbeing.
The review details the work of the DSB, the resources that have been available and what more is needed to enhance future success and continued safeguarding of individuals in receipt of disability services. The Senate Committee could consider whether an independent body such as the DSB would usefully complement the work of the Quality and Safeguards Commission, without infringing on the role of the NDIS Board or Independent Advisory Council. Additionally, a strong independent
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021
Submission 56
The complaints mechanism should include clear and efficient referral pathways from effectively resourced advocacy services.
I enclose a copy of the Report entitled ‘Disability Services Board - Legacy Report’ for your information. Accordingly, were it to be seen to be valuable, the Chair of the Board and/or Members would be happy to discuss any aspect of the Report.
The Board can be contacted via
Yours sincerely
Georgina Frost President Disability Services Board
cenc.
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