Have your say on protecting the rights of people with disability

Queenslanders are invited to help shape reforms to safeguard people with disability who may harm themselves or others.

Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford said with Queensland’s transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme now done, it was time to review the use of positive behaviour support and restrictive practices.

Mr Crawford said the review would look at how laws could best support people with disability, families, carers, service providers and workers through NDIS for national consistency.

“It’s a unique chance to be directly involved in the development of this important framework about improving safeguards to ensure that people with disability who may experience behaviours that cause harm to themselves or others are appropriately supported,” Mr Crawford said.

“This review will be supported by a reference group of disability and legal sector representatives, and positive behaviour support experts.

“We will soon commence a consultation process so that Queenslanders can provide feedback on potential reforms through focus groups and online forums.”

Mr Crawford said the Queensland Government was committed to working through what a nationally consistent approach to positive behaviour support and the authorisation of restrictive practices could mean for Queensland.

“The review will consider best practice approaches being used across the country and focus on shaping our legislation to meet the needs of Queenslanders with disability, and their families and carers, now and into the future,” he said.

“We will continue to work closely with the disability sector to seek advice and ensure people with disability, their families and carers, are supported to engage in this important consultation process.

“It’s about taking a consultative approach to drive change, so Queenslanders with disability can continue to thrive and reach their full potential.”

Mr Crawford said protecting and promoting the human rights of people with disability is a top priority.

“Queensland is now a human rights jurisdiction following passing of the Human Rights Act 2019,” he said.

“Through this review we have the opportunity to embed a human right focus in every decision we make under the reformed framework to achieve the best possible outcomes for Queenslanders with disability.”

To have your say on the Review of the Positive Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices Authorisation Framework in Queensland please visit:  www.qld.gov.au/restrictive-practices-review

[ENDS] Media contact: Peter Michael 0477948091