DISABILITY SERVICES (RIGHTS, PROTECTION AND INCLUSION) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 26 September 2013.)

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (18:07): I rise on behalf of Liberal members to indicate support for the second reading of the bill. The member for Morphett has had carriage of the legislation for the Liberal Party and spoke on the legislation in the House of Assembly. In summary, this bill introduces safeguarding complaints policies and amends the act to provide a legal process and remedy in the event of victimisation by providers of disability services. The amendments also give the minister the ability to review funded services or activities and introduces regulations accordingly. The bill also introduces the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a set of best practice principles to guide policy development, funding decisions and the administration and provision of disability services.

As I said, the member for Morphett has had carriage of the legislation for the Liberal Party. He has indicated his support for the process of consultation the government engaged in during the development of the legislation and, on that basis, he recommended support to the Liberal Party in the party room. Accordingly, the Liberal Party is supporting the legislation through both houses of parliament.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins.