The Social Services and Community Select Committee’s report back on the Disability Support Services Bill includes a number of amendments responding to feedback from the disability community.

“It was important this Bill went through a Select Committee process so submitters could have their say,” Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says.

“More than 3,000 people made submissions, and I thank the Select Committee for its considered approach in ensuring those voices could help inform the Bill. As a result of its recommendations, we can confirm a number of changes.

“As Minister, I acknowledge the intent of the Bill was not as clear as it should have been. The Select Committee has heard this, and I agree with their recommended changes.

“This Bill remains very important because until now, there has been no legal framework around Disability Support Services. Feedback on the Bill was clear that people understood the need forclear foundations and a framework for how DSS operates.

“This Bill brings DSS into line with other areas of Government policy where there are existing legislative frameworks and the ability to review these already in place.

“The Bill reflects the way DSS already works. It does not change current eligibility, entitlements or support, or introduce income or asset testing where it is not currently used.

“It will improve consistency, fairness, transparency and sustainability, building on our work after the 2024 Independent Review.

“Over the past two years our Government has taken urgent action to introduce a nationally consistent assessment process, stabilise its services, improve its financial sustainability, and give people more choice and control over flexible funding.

“We have also committed to $2.1 billion in additional funding through successive budgets which means DSS now has more ongoing funding to support disabled people than ever before. There are more improvements needed and we will soon be consulting on a carers’ package,” Louise Upston says.

Accessible formats of this PR areavailable here.