DISABILITY SERVICES (RIGHTS, PROTECTION AND INCLUSION) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading (resumed on motion).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (18:15): I rise to conclude the debate and, in so doing, I acknowledge that the Hon. Ms Franks would like to make some comments at a later stage in committee at clause 1, which we are happy to entertain. This bill is the result of the work I commenced when I was minister for disabilities last year, and it gives me a strong sense of pride to guide its passage through this place on behalf of the current Minister for Disabilities.

The analysis for requirement of this bill identified two key issues: the need to legislate for safeguards for vulnerable adults living with disability and to create a legislative basis for the disability stream of the Community Visitors Scheme. We have covered the Community Visitors Scheme by regulation, but I also indicate that we will be looking at a bill in its own right at a future time to strengthen that very worthwhile program.

I am confident that this bill satisfies the first of these two issues for those living with disabilities and their carers. The bill, as mentioned, references the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, enshrines the right of people with disability to exercise choice and control in relation to decision-making, which reinforces the principles underlying the NDIS. This bill also references other national and state discrimination legislation. In particular, I would like to mention that, in interpreting this act, we also take into account other acts, for example, the Carers Act, and the important role carers play in supporting and assisting people who are living with disability.

This bill also mandates a requirement for disability service providers to have accessible and well-publicised complaints and grievance procedures. Also, as a first step to safeguard people who are vulnerable and living with a disability, this bill protects people who complain or report any bad treatment of people living with a disability.

The bill also mandates a requirement for disability service providers to have in place safeguarding policies and procedures. The bill also enables the minister of the day to make regulations covering the issue of reporting on outcomes, with a view to monitoring and taking action on the lack of appropriate performance by government and government-funded agencies. In closing, I thank all honourable members who contributed to the debate and look forward to their support of this very worthy bill before the house.

Bill read a second time.