The Department of Social Services (DSS) is holding public information sessions to explain the Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023 and receive final comments from the public before presenting the new Bill to parliament.  

The Bill has been developed after an extensive consultation with the sector. An exposure draft was posted for comment last year, and NDS, many disability organisations, people with disability, and their families and carers lodged submissions.   

The new legislation will replace the Disability Services Act 1986, which does not account for the major changes in the disability sector in the past three decades. The new bill will include recognition of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disability, the NDIS and the National Disability Strategy, as well as updated terminology that reflects the major changes in disability service provision. There is more emphasis on inclusion and the rights of people with disability to control and make decisions in their lives.

The new Bill provides a way to continue funding existing supports and services while allowing the Commonwealth to design any new supports and services that better assist people with disability and their families and carers. It is important to note that the Bill does not provide supports or services directly to people with disability.  

The information sessions are in two rounds, in the weeks of 17 July and 31 July. Attendance and responses are welcome from anyone, especially people with disability, their families and carers, and service providers. 

The exposure draft of the Bill and other materials in pdf, word doc and easy read versions are available in the consultation material. 

The department has produced survey questions to guide comments. People can also lodge submissions or submit questions before the information sessions. 

Information session times 

Round 1 

• Tuesday 18 July, 3:00 to 4:00pm 
• Wednesday 19 July, 11:00am to 12:00pm 
• Thursday 20 July, 1:00 to 2:00pm 

Round 2 

• Tuesday 1 August, 11:00am to 12:00pm 
• Wednesday 2 August, 1:00pm to 2:00pm  
• Thursday 3 August, 3:00 to 4:00pm 

More information is available on DSS Engage.