Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions)

Current status

This bill became law on Nov 28th, 2023.

Policy area

Health, care & disability

What does this bill do?

State and Territory disability standards review panelsReview panels that stay in place for older grants so complaints and oversight can keep working during the handover. stay in place for older grants under the repealed law, so oversight and complaint review can continue during the changeover.

Why was it introduced?

Replacing the outdated Disability Services Act 1986The old law that this bill repeals but keeps partly alive for existing grants and arrangements during the changeover. with the new Disability Services and Inclusion ActThe new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law. created a transition gap for Commonwealth laws, existing grants and oversight arrangements. This bill updates those laws and lets old grants, conduct rules, review panels and employment-support protections keep operating until the new system takes over.

Broader context

Australia’s disability services outside the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework. were still grounded in the Disability Services Act 1986The old law that this bill repeals but keeps partly alive for existing grants and arrangements during the changeover., but disability policy had shifted through the UN disability convention, Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and person-centred programs, while some newer services had to rely on FF(SP) RegulationsA backup rule-making route the government used for some disability programs when the old disability law did not cover them well enough. that could delay delivery and left many providers outside quality and safeguarding oversight. The 2023 package replaced the 1986 law and this consequential bill kept older grants, review panels, conduct rules and employment-support protections operating during the handover, before Parliament passed it in November 2023 and Royal Assent completed the transition framework.

Key criticism

The main criticism was that the new framework left too much uncertainty about who would qualify for Commonwealth disability supports and gave ministers broad discretion without enough detail in the bill itself. These concerns were raised mainly by Coalition speakers and some crossbench and Greens members, but most criticism was conditional and no party represented in the debate opposed the transition outright.

Who supported it?

Amanda Rishworth MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.

Introduced in House 14 Sept 2023
Passed House 14 Nov 2023
Passed Senate 17 Nov 2023
Became law 28 Nov 2023

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 28 Nov 2023

Final passage

Passed without a counted vote

6 recorded amendment or procedural votes were found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.

Passage speed

75 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

What does this bill do?

  1. State and Territory disability standards review panelsReview panels that stay in place for older grants so complaints and oversight can keep working during the handover. stay in place for older grants under the repealed law, so oversight and complaint review can continue during the changeover.

  2. The minister can set a temporary code of conductA temporary behaviour rule the minister can set so organisations and people still operating under old arrangements must keep following standards. for organisations and people still operating under older disability service grants and arrangements, so conduct rules can keep applying during the transition.

  3. Australia replaces the 1986 disability services law with the new Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023The new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law., so related Commonwealth laws now point to the new law instead.

  4. Existing disability service grant agreements keep running under the old 1986 law until they end, while new grants and funding deals must use the new Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023The new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law..

  5. People getting Commonwealth-funded disability employment supports keep their current social security and paid work rules, with the new law carrying those protections across into the replacement program.

Show source excerpts
  1. (1) A Disability Standards Review Panel for a State or Territory that was established under section 14B of the Disability Services Act 1986 before the commencement day and that was in existence immediately before that day continues in existence on and after that day in relation to grants of financial assistance (including transitional grants) made under that Act before, on or after that day.
    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) as-passed bill text
  2. (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules that make provision for or in relation to a code of conduct that, on and after the commencement of this item, applies to the following:
    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) as-passed bill text
  3. The Disability Services and Inclusion Bill (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 (Bill) will make amendments to existing Commonwealth legislation that are consequential to the repeal of the Disability Services Act 1986 (DS Act) and its replacement by the Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023 (DSI Bill).
    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum
  4. The Bill also sets out savings provisions and transitional arrangements for the transition period between the repeal of the DS Act and the implementation of the DSI Bill. Critically, grant agreements made under the DS Act will continue to operate under the provisions of the DS Act until they conclude. All new grant agreements and financial arrangements will be made under the DSI Bill.
    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum
  5. (fa) the value of supports or services that are specified in an instrument under subsection (8AAAB) and are provided under an arrangement or grant under the Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023;
    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) as-passed bill text

Broader context for this bill

Australia’s disability services outside the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework. were still grounded in the Disability Services Act 1986The old law that this bill repeals but keeps partly alive for existing grants and arrangements during the changeover., but disability policy had shifted through the UN disability convention, Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and person-centred programs, while some newer services had to rely on FF(SP) RegulationsA backup rule-making route the government used for some disability programs when the old disability law did not cover them well enough. that could delay delivery and left many providers outside quality and safeguarding oversight. The 2023 package replaced the 1986 law and this consequential bill kept older grants, review panels, conduct rules and employment-support protections operating during the handover, before Parliament passed it in November 2023 and Royal Assent completed the transition framework.

  1. 1986

    Disability Services Act 1986The old law that this bill repeals but keeps partly alive for existing grants and arrangements during the changeover. sets the original framework

    The old ActThe new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law. became the legal base for Commonwealth disability services that the 2023 legislation was designed to replace.

    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum ↗
  2. 2021

    Australia adopts a new national disability strategy

    Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 became the national policy framework, reflecting a more contemporary approach to how people with disability live and are supported.

    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum ↗
  3. 2023

    Alternative funding rules leave some programs without safeguards

    The explanatory memorandum said some newer disability programs had to use FF(SP) RegulationsA backup rule-making route the government used for some disability programs when the old disability law did not cover them well enough., creating administrative delays and leaving many programs without quality and safeguarding oversight.

    Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum ↗
  4. 14 Sept 2023

    Government introduces the replacement and transition bills

    The minister introduced the new disability services bill and this companion bill together to replace the 1986 law and manage the handover to the new system.

    Hansard ↗
  5. 17 Nov 2023

    Parliament passes the bill

    Both houses agreed to the bill, clearing the way for old grant agreements and related protections to continue during the changeover to the new ActThe new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law..

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  6. 28 Nov 2023

    Royal Assent completes the transition framework

    Royal Assent turned the bill into law so consequential amendmentsFollow-on changes to other laws so they point to the new disability act instead of the old one. and transitional rules could operate alongside the new Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023The new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law..

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 14 Sept 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 14 Sept 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Community Affairs review 14 Sept 2023

Referred to Committee (14/09/2023): Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (09/11/2023)

Referred to committee

APH bill page notes
Second reading debate 19 Oct 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 13 Nov 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 14 Nov 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

House second reading agreed 14 Nov 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

House agreed to amendment packages 14 Nov 2023

The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.

Consideration in detail debate

House third reading agreed 14 Nov 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 15 Nov 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 15 Nov 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 17 Nov 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate second reading agreed 17 Nov 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Committee of the Whole debate 17 Nov 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate third reading agreed 17 Nov 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Passed both houses 17 Nov 2023

Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 28 Nov 2023

The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an ActThe new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law..

The main case against this bill

The main criticism was that the new framework left too much uncertainty about who would qualify for Commonwealth disability supports and gave ministers broad discretion without enough detail in the bill itself. These concerns were raised mainly by Coalition speakers and some crossbench and Greens members, but most criticism was conditional and no party represented in the debate opposed the transition outright.

Criticism focused on drafting, safeguards and scope, not the need to replace the old law.

Unclear eligibility for support

Critics warned that removing a clearly defined target group could make it uncertain who the new disability services system is actually for, creating confusion for service users and providers and risking gaps in support.

Raised by Coalition speakers including Michael Sukkar, Andrew Wallace and Anne Ruston Source ↗

Too much left to ministerial discretion and delegated rules

Some members argued the bill relied too heavily on ministerial discretion and rules made later, especially for funding decisions, oversight and conduct standards, instead of putting clearer safeguards in the primary legislation.

Raised by Coalition and crossbench critics including Andrew Wallace and Monique Ryan Source ↗

Does not go far enough on disability reform

Greens members said the bill was too limited because it did not deliver key disability royal commissionThe major inquiry whose recommendations are repeatedly mentioned as part of the wider disability reform context. recommendations or the broader inclusion and desegregation reforms they wanted, so they sought major amendments.

Raised by The Greens, including Stephen Bates and Jordon Steele-John Source ↗

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.

Passed

House passed the bill

House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

14 Nov 2023

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Passed

Senate passed the bill

Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

17 Nov 2023

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Amendments at a glance

Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.

House

Carried

Transitional code of conduct rules

This amendment would add a transitional power for the Minister to make rules about a code of conductA temporary behaviour rule the minister can set so organisations and people still operating under old arrangements must keep following standards. for certain existing organisations, agreements and grants.

14 Nov 2023

This amendment would add a transitional power for the Minister to make rules about a code of conductA temporary behaviour rule the minister can set so organisations and people still operating under old arrangements must keep following standards. for certain existing organisations, agreements and grants.

Passed on the voices

The chamber agreed to this amendment without a counted vote — the presiding officer judged the ayes louder than the noes, and no member called for a division.

Senate

Defeated

Call for disability minister

Aye 10 No 23

Defeated 10 to 23. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, UAP, and minor parties and independents.

17 Nov 2023

This was a second-reading statement vote, so it tested the chamber’s support for the Greens’ critique of the bill and their call for stronger disability leadership before the bill was read a second time.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 13
Greens 10 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 5
Unknown 0 / 4
UAP 0 / 1
Defeated

Remove inclusion from bill title

Aye 11 No 21

Defeated 11 to 21. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.

17 Nov 2023

This was a direct title amendment, not a policy change to the bill’s operative provisions, and it would have removed the new inclusion wording from the legislation’s name.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 12
Greens 11 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 4
Unknown 0 / 4
Nationals 0 / 1
Defeated

Remove DSP coercion and lift payments

Aye 12 No 20

Defeated 12 to 20. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.

17 Nov 2023

These amendments would have pushed the bill toward a faster move to inclusive schooling and jobs, making the vote a test of whether the Senate would back an explicit end to segregation in services funded under the bill.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 12
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 0 / 4
Liberal Party 0 / 3
Independent 1 / 0
Nationals 0 / 1
Defeated

End segregated education and work

Aye 11 No 23

Defeated 11 to 23. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.

17 Nov 2023

This package would have widened the bill’s rights framework and sharpened oversight of disability services, so the vote was about whether to harden safeguards and rights protections in the new scheme.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 12
Greens 11 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 5
Unknown 0 / 4
Independent 0 / 1
Nationals 0 / 1
Defeated

Strengthen disability service safeguards

Aye 12 No 20

Defeated 12 to 20. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.

17 Nov 2023

This was an attempt to use the bill as a vehicle for broader social security reform benefiting disabled people, especially through higher payments and less coercive access rules.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Greens 11 / 0
Labor 0 / 11
Liberal Party 0 / 5
Unknown 0 / 3
Independent 1 / 0
Nationals 0 / 1
Defeated

Remove DSP coercion and lift payments

Aye 12 No 20

Moved by Janet Rice (Greens). Defeated 12 to 20. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.

17 Nov 2023

This was a direct push to improve disability income support rather than the bill’s machinery, and it would have reduced coercive requirements while expanding financial support for disabled people.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 12
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 0 / 4
Liberal Party 0 / 3
Independent 1 / 0
Nationals 0 / 1
Carried

Government technical amendment accepted

The Senate accepted amendment sheet 2174 on voices during committee consideration.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Amanda Rishworth

Australian Labor Party • MP 14 Sept 2023

Rishworth supports the consequential and transitional bill because it repeals the outdated Disability Services ActThe new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law., preserves continuity for existing funding arrangements, and ensures a smooth transition to the new disability services framework.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

Linda Reynolds

Liberal Party • Senator 17 Nov 2023

Reynolds says the coalition will support the bill, because it updates the framework for disability services, but she argues it is still deficient and should have been drafted better.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Supports

Monique Ryan

Independent • MP 13 Nov 2023

Ryan supports the bill and wants it to improve disability supports outside the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework., but says it should include stronger, more explicit oversight and safeguards in the primary law rather than leaving them to delegated legislation.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Supports

Malarndirri McCarthy

Australian Labor Party • Senator 15 Nov 2023

McCarthy supports the bill because it creates transitional arrangements for the new disability services framework, repeals the old actThe new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law., and keeps funding and services running without disruption.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

8 speakers · 10 contributions · 8 support

  1. Shayne Neumann Shayne Neumann supports the consequential amendmentsFollow-on changes to other laws so they point to the new disability act instead of the old one. bill, saying it is needed to replace outdated 1986 disability laws with a modern framework that better funds and safeguards services outside the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework..
    “The Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023, along with the Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional) Bill, will help deliver on the Albanese government's commitment to enable people with disability to fully participate in our community life and exercise agency over their lives. It's very important for people with disability to have the same kinds of choices all of us have—in fact, it's absolutely crucial. If we do this in relation to people living long lives so they live better in their senior years, we should do it for people living with disability. This is really a fundamental principle underlining the NDIS, which aims to give people living with disability greater choice and control over their lives. It also reflects the principle of equity—which is a fundamental principle in our democracy and is also in the DNA of Australians—that we should target assistance to those most in need.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Louise Miller-Frost Miller-Frost supports the bill, saying it modernises and streamlines disability funding law so the Commonwealth can keep funding services with stronger safeguards, clearer authority and broader inclusion.
    “This legislation is needed. Repealing the current act, replacing it with contemporary, modern and streamlined legislation is the most effective way to ensure that the government is able to support all people with disability and complement the supports provided to people with disability who are eligible for the NDIS.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 13 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Zaneta Mascarenhas Mascarenhas supports the bill and says it is needed to update an outdated disability services framework so it better matches the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework., the disability strategy, and royal commissionThe major inquiry whose recommendations are repeatedly mentioned as part of the wider disability reform context. reforms.
    “The bill before us today is based on the principles that I have outlined and upholds this fundamental premise that people living with a disability have the same rights as everyone else. It honours the commitment of the Albanese Labor government, and I stand here advocating for the passage of this bill as a proud member of the government.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Tracey Roberts Roberts supports the consequential amendmentsFollow-on changes to other laws so they point to the new disability act instead of the old one. bill and says it is needed to repeal the outdated Disability Services ActThe new main Commonwealth law this bill is helping to switch over to, replacing the old 1986 disability services law., carry over existing arrangements, and support a smoother transition to a more modern disability funding framework.
    “I continue to be driven by the desire to understand and be inspired by people such as Robert, to support them to live the best life possible with disability. What we do here today is in line with the government's commitment to enable people with disability to participate fully in society and to exercise full choice and full control over their lives. I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Anne Stanley 2 contributions Anne Stanley supports the bill, saying it will replace outdated disability legislation and create a clearer legal basis for disability services outside the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework..

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Anne Stanley on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 19 Oct 2023

    Anne Stanley supports the bill, saying it will replace outdated disability legislation and create a clearer legal basis for disability services outside the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework.. She argues the change is needed to meet Australia’s UN disability rights obligations and to reduce administrative delays.

    “The bills being debated here today will ensure we can do better by repealing and replacing the act, which has become outdated and restrictive.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 13 Nov 2023

    Stanley supports the bill, saying it will modernise disability services funding outside the NDISAustralia's main disability insurance program; the page contrasts services outside the NDIS with the new Commonwealth framework. by adding clearer oversight, a mandatory code of conductA temporary behaviour rule the minister can set so organisations and people still operating under old arrangements must keep following standards., and consistent complaints handling. She argues it will improve accountability and safeguards while still allowing flexibility for providers.

    “These bills are another step in our government's commitment to support those Australians who rely on services. We are under no illusion that this will be the last step. Whether it be continued support and the strengthening of the NDIS or the recent establishment of the task force to respond to the royal commission's recommendations, the Albanese Labor government will continue supporting all Australians living with a disability, because they fundamentally deserve to live with dignity and respect. I am proud to commend the bill to the House.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  6. Katy Gallagher Gallagher supports the bill and commends it to the Senate, saying the committee found it would advance outcomes for people with disability, families and carers.
    “In summing up, I want to thank the disability community generally and all of the stakeholders that have provided advice and input into the development of this bill, including through the Senate committee process. I would note the committee's finding that the bills will advance the interests of and outcomes for people with disability, families and carers, and that the view of the committee was that we should pass this bill. I know that, with the disability royal commission, with the work the government is doing around the National Disability Insurance Scheme and with the development of this legislation, we are asking a lot of people. I would very much like to place on the record our thanks for the contributions of all of those stakeholders, because we would not be able to do this work without them.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 17 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

5 speakers · 3 support · 2 mixed

  1. Michael Sukkar Sukkar says the opposition will not block the bill, but it is not giving full support because the removal of a defined target group could create uncertainty about who will receive disability supports.
    “Whilst not having a legislated definition of a target group, we acknowledge, quite obviously may provide greater flexibility and access to services and supports, without the additional infrastructure in place there may be unknown practical, consequential impacts on the provision and delivery of timely supports and services to those in need. We hope the inquiry that's currently underway will provide greater insights into these concerns, and it's certainly my hope that those concerns in relation to the significant departure from the current legislation, in not defining those target groups, can be addressed and can be more understood from our perspective. Should that be the case then it would be far simpler for us to provide wholehearted support for this bill.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 19 Oct 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Andrew Wallace Wallace says the opposition has concerns about the bill, especially its broad target-group definition and the minister’s discretion over funding, and wants the government to address those issues before it proceeds.
    “We await the findings of the Senate committee inquiry into these bills. I simply ask that the government take into consideration the two concerns that I've raised: firstly, that it reconsiders the broad definition of target groups and, secondly, that it seriously considers its track record in relation to supporting regional communities and looks to rectify this before it legislates to allow funding that is open to ministerial discretion. If the government cannot be trusted to keep the faith with regional Australians then it cannot be trusted with the social care of our most vulnerable.”

    Liberal National Party • MP • 14 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Jenny Ware Ware supports the bill and says it updates the disability services framework, broadens how funding can be provided, and better reflects human rights and the royal commissionThe major inquiry whose recommendations are repeatedly mentioned as part of the wider disability reform context.'s recommendations.
    “I rise to speak on the Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023. I support this bill. The bill's stated intention is to establish a new legislative framework for the funding and regulation of programs targeted for the benefit of people with disability, their families and carers. It shows how, since one of the first pieces of legislation was introduced in 1974, we in this place have evolved with legislation in terms of how we assist people with disabilities. The bill also aims to update the language of the legislation. It focuses on the human rights of people with disabilities and gives effect to some of our international obligations, particularly the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 14 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Anne Ruston Ruston says the opposition has concerns about the bill because it leaves out a definition of the target groups who will be eligible for support and may create practical problems for service delivery.
    “While we acknowledge that not having a slated definition of a target group quite obviously may provide greater flexibility in access to services and supports, without the additional infrastructure in place there may be unknown practical consequential impacts on the provision and delivery of timely support service to those who need it. We will be keeping a very close eye on this framework but we will not stand in the way of this bill.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 17 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Greens

4 speakers · 1 support · 3 mixed

  1. Jordon Steele-John Steele-John says the Greens cannot back the bill in its current form because it fails to meet its own goals and does not implement the royal commissionThe major inquiry whose recommendations are repeatedly mentioned as part of the wider disability reform context.’s recommendations.
    “These are the benchmarks against which the Greens and the disability community judge this bill. Against those benchmarks, this bill in its current form is a failure. It fails to achieve the objects that it sets out to achieve, and that is why it is in need of significant amendment. It also fails to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, and this must be considered very seriously. The royal commission was the largest of its kind in Australian history, subject to thousands of submissions and pieces of verbal evidence.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 17 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Janet Rice Rice says the Greens support repealing the old disability law, but they will only back the bill as a real step forward if it is amended to improve the Disability Support PensionThe income support payment discussed in the amendment section, where some proposals would change related payment settings..
    “To truly advance the inclusion and the social and economic participation of people with a disability, we need the Greens amendments that we are seeking to make to this bill to be passed.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 17 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Dorinda Cox Cox says the Greens are disappointed with the bill because it does not properly listen to the disability community, but they are trying to improve it with amendments that better protect First Nations disabled people and ensure culturally safe support.
    “The Greens have a few amendments to this bill, and Senator Steele-John and I have co-sponsored two of those. I know he will continue to speak to those on my behalf. These amendments seek to highlight the intersections for First Nations disabled people and the unique needs and considerations that First Nations disabled people need in order to obtain culturally safe and appropriate care and support while ensuring that they still have connection to their culture and their community.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 17 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Stephen Bates Bates says the Greens will support the bill in the House, but they think it falls short because it does not implement key royal commissionThe major inquiry whose recommendations are repeatedly mentioned as part of the wider disability reform context. recommendations or the broader reforms the disability community is calling for.
    “Therefore, while the Greens are supporting this bill in the House, we will seek to make significant amendments to the bill in the Senate, in line with the calls of the disability community.”

    Australian Greens • MP • 14 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Minor parties and independents

1 speaker · 1 support

Full record

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