Disability legislation reform
04/04/2012
Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent will today introduce legislation to overhaul South Australia’s archaic and flailing Disability Services Act.
Ms Vincent’s legislation will make three major changes to the Act: It will create a Disability Services Commissioner to oversee the provision of disability support in SA; it will establish a community visitors program to uphold standards in supported accommodation; and it will set-up the role of a Senior Practitioner to regulate and minimise the use of chemical, mechanical and physical restraints on people with disabilities.
“The changes I am introducing to Parliament today will ensure the rights and dignity of South Australians with disabilities are respected and enshrined in our laws,” said Ms Vincent.
“The models I have written into this legislation are tried and tested interstate and overseas. I am trying to bring South Australia’s chaotic and unfair disability services system up to speed with the rest of the country.”
The Government last year flagged that it will introduce similar legislation to change the Disability Services Act. This action was recommended by the Social Inclusion Unit’s Strong Voices report.
However, Minister for Disabilities Ian Hunter MLC has told the Parliament not to expect to see the changes anytime soon.
“Minister Hunter has informed the Parliament he intends to do more consultation before drafting his Bill,” said Ms Vincent.
“The disability community can’t wait for these changes any longer. Consultation is very important, but a lengthy and in-depth consultation was done by the Social Inclusion Unit while preparing its report. Further consultation is nothing more than a stalling tactic.”
“I have listened to my constituency. They say they are sick of waiting for action, and that something needs to be done to improve their lives now. That is why I have gone ahead and introduced my own legislation. The Government is too busy playing political waiting games to prioritise the needs of people with disabilities. I am not.”
