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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-02-19 Daily Xml
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DISABILITY SERVICES

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (14:55): Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is to the minister for disability services. Can the Minister for Disabilities advise the house on the progress of new legislation to enhance disability services?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:55): I thank the member for Mitchell for this important question, and I acknowledge his commitment to constituents with a disability in his electorate.

Mr Pisoni interjecting:

The SPEAKER: I warn the member for Unley for the first time. The Minister for Disabilities.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Thank you, Mr Speaker. In October 2011, the social inclusion board released 'Strong voices: a blueprint to enhance the life and claim the rights of people with disability in South Australia 2012-20'. In this report, there were a series of recommendations designed to assist the government and future governments on enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for people with a disability. The recommendations from this report included:

aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and specify high-level service standards, such as minimising the use of restrictive practices;

directing all state government agencies and local governments to lodge access and inclusion plans with the social inclusion board for public release;

establishing an integrated suite of appeal processes and safeguards; and

establishing a community visitors scheme to monitor standards of disability housing and accommodation service settings.

To do this most effectively, it was recommended that the parliament enact a new disability act to replace the existing Disability Services Act. An extensive consultation process was carried out throughout the middle part of 2012 with key people and organisations within the disability sector.

Mr Venning: Inspiring!

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Well, I think it is quite important, member for Schubert. Special attention was given to target consultation with groups that are not traditionally well represented in the community, such as Aboriginal people, young carers and people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. This information and feedback was analysed, reported on to cabinet by the previous minister and drafting commenced on the bill shortly thereafter. It is also important to note that the disability sector, despite the comments made by those opposite, actually has a voice in cabinet, unlike the Liberal Party, which does not—

Mr GARDNER: On a point of order, Mr Speaker: standing order 98.

The SPEAKER: You are saying that it is not relevant?

Mr GARDNER: I am saying that he is entering into debate, sir.

The SPEAKER: I will listen carefully to what the Minister for Disabilities has to say. Minister.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Thank you, Mr Speaker. It was the intention of the previous minister to introduce the bill before the end of last year. However, the announcement of a National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill by the commonwealth has meant that a review of the South Australian draft bill must now be undertaken. The comprehensive and wideranging nature—

Mr Gardner interjecting:

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: Well, if you just wait, you will hear. The comprehensive and wideranging nature of the NDIS draft legislation addresses many of the same issues that were contemplated for the draft state legislation. The commonwealth draft also introduces a range of provisions that have not previously been enshrined in legislation and were not considered when drafting the new state legislation. A draft commonwealth bill is currently under consultation. I am advised that the final form is likely to be presented to the commonwealth parliament in March or April.

Reforming disability services is a very high priority for this government, and we are playing a crucial role in helping to launch the NDIS. We need to ensure, however, that efficiencies are maximised, red tape is not increased and that the people in need are given the best and most effective service. I can therefore advise the house that, once the final NDIS bill is passed through the federal parliament, we will conduct a final review of our own draft disability service bill and make amendments as required. Once this is carried out, I will consult with my colleagues on this side of the house on its detail and then introduce the bill at that point.

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