New legislation to protect Queenslanders with disability

Queensland will further strengthen its robust system of protections and safeguards for people with disability, as part of an agreement to implement a nationally consistent worker screening process for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The implementation of a nationally consistent worker screening system was agreed to by all jurisdictions under the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework.

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke said the Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2018 was passed by the Queensland Parliament today (5 September).

“This Bill is an important step towards achieving strong and consistent safeguards for people with disability across Australia,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2018 is an essential first step in ensuring Queensland is prepared for the full implementation of the NDIS.

“The Bill ensures that Queensland will have the necessary legislation in place to share expanded criminal history information with other states and territories as they are ready to commence the NDIS Worker Screening Check

“The Bill also includes amendments to ensure appropriate quality and safeguards protections are in place during Queensland’s transition to the NDIS.”

During the transition to full operation of the NDIS, Queensland will continue to operate its Yellow Card system.

The Bill also clarifies that self-employed individuals, known as sole traders, are required to undergo criminal history screening under the Yellow Card system during the transition period.

Mrs O’Rourke said she was very pleased the Bill would provide certainty for the state’s disability sector, and in particular for Queenslanders with a disability.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring protections are in place to safeguard Queenslanders with a disability,” she said.

“We want to ensure the transition to the NDIS is as smooth as possible in Queensland. Ensuring the rights of Queenslanders with disability are protected is the highest priority.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389