Submission to DSS (Department of Social Services) Consultation on the Disability Services Act

Our submission to Department of Social Services Consultation on the Disability Services Act.

The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia summarises the range of assistance and support services provided by the Society to people living with disability.

The Society considers that review of the Act is overdue as much has changed over the past three decades, including the development of Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and Australia's commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Act needs to protect and ensure full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for people with disabilities, address priority areas, and be flexible enough to adapt to future reforms.

The new Act should be co-designed with people living with disability and the sector, focusing on autonomy, decision-making power, choice, and control. A single process for managing quality and safeguarding across disability services and supports, the NDIS, and aged care services is preferred.