DISABILITY SERVICES

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:14): My question is to the Minister for Disabilities. Minister, will you inform the chamber on the new Disability Services Positive Behaviour Support program?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:14): I would like to thank the honourable member for his most important question. I can advise that Disability Services has released a new framework for managing behaviour of concern amongst people with a disability. By 'behaviour of concern', I mean any behaviour that is of such intensity, frequency or duration that it may threaten the quality of life or safety of the individual themselves or other people with whom they interact. Examples may include aggression, property destruction or self-injurious behaviour. It may even include self-withdrawn behaviour which very rarely affects others but is not conducive to positive development for that particular individual.

The aim of the new framework is to reduce and, ultimately, eliminate these behaviours of concern but in a positive way. This is done by improving the client's skills and ability to interact successfully with carers, co-tenants, family members and the community. This, in turn, improves their quality of life. By managing such behaviour in a positive way, we hope not only to improve the relationships between individuals, carers and families but also to reduce the need to use restrictive practices to manage such behaviour of concern, because restrictive practices often involve removing a person's freedom. Restrictive practices can include the use of time-out rooms, medication or restrictive devices in very extreme circumstances—and, clearly, these should only be used as an absolute last resort.

I am pleased to say this framework offers many alternative practices to manage challenging behaviour before it escalates to extreme and dangerous situations. The aim is to reduce the need for restrictive practices and to improve behaviour into the longer term. This reflects the changes taking place in the disability sector globally with a focus on improving the rights of people with disability. It is expected the new framework will be implemented through Disability Services accommodation services over the next 18 months.

The government acknowledges that people with a disability have not always received services or lived in environments that support the development and maintenance of positive behaviours. While some good work has already been done in addressing these issues, not least the move away from institutional accommodation, the government is committed to improving the quality of life and rights of people with a disability. The introduction of this framework is another important step in this process.