Have your say on the future of disability legislation in Queensland

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke today announced the start of public consultation for the review of the Disability Services Act 2006.

“The Disability Services Act 2006 came into effect on 1 July 2006 and is the primary legislation in Queensland governing disability rights, services and safeguards,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Since the Act commenced there has been further recognition of the rights of people with disability at the state, national and international level.

“It is timely that we review our laws in Queensland to make sure they reflect the absolute commitment of the Palaszczuk Government to inclusion and accessibility for people with disability.”

Mrs O’Rourke said it was particularly timely to review the Disability Services Act 2006 as the NDIS rolls out across the state.

“It is important we consider the laws we need in place to reflect the changing landscape of how services and supports for people with disability are funded and delivered under the NDIS,” she said.

“Once the NDIS rollout is complete, the Palaszczuk Government’s primary focus will be on championing accessibility and inclusion and ensuring the rights and abilities of Queenslanders with disability are recognised within their communities.”

An options paper ‘Reshaping the Disability Services Act 2006: an inclusive and accessible Queensland’ has been released online to engage Queenslanders in the review and help guide public consultation.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government wanted to hear from all people with disability, their families and carers, as well as from service providers.

“This is about making sure our legislation is contemporary and can continue to meet the needs of Queenslanders with disability, their families and carers well into the future,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government remains committed to building a state where every aspect of community life welcomes, values and includes people with disability.

“We have a collective responsibility to make sure our communities are accessible by and inclusive of all Queenslanders.

“There are lots of ways to get involved – through public forums in various locations across Queensland, an online survey, and an options paper that people can respond to for their say.

“We will also be publishing an easy read version of the options paper and releasing short videos to ensure our consultation is as informative as possible.”

More information about the consultation process is available at www.qld.gov.au/DSAreview.

The consultation period will run until Friday, 9 November 2018.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389