Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I will speak this afternoon in continuation after the last sitting. Additionally, procurement under the FFSP Regulations means that many programs are not subject to effective regulatory oversight arrangements. This legislation will change that. It will allow for a clear framework under the act to fund disability services outside of the NDIS and ensure that funding is subject to proper oversight. A mandatory code of conduct for all providers will be embedded into the legislation, similar to that of the NDIS code of conduct, ensuring that there is consistency in the quality of disability services. The code of conduct will set standards and obligations that service providers and their staff must adhere to. Those in breach of the code may have their funding arrangements revoked or altered.

These bills also establish the framework for consistent complaints-management requirements for providers, ensuring that Australians can make complaints regarding services and the department can act effectively, a crucial step in creating greater accountability and better safeguards for Australians with disabilities who receive support outside the NDIS.

The legislation will introduce an instrument that will allow the regulation of eligible activities, meaning providers in emerging, unregulated activities that are to be now regulated would require a certificate of compliance. This instrument is similar to that prescribed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018. We know that many providers work all across the centre, interacting with state and federal government bodies and complying with various requirements. Where appropriate, alternative quality standards may be recognised to reduce duplication and regulatory burden for providers, ensuring they are both adequately certified and can effectively provide services to all that need them.

Importantly, this legislation does not define disability, which is in line with the majority of the feedback during the consultation. We know that disability can be complex, and to define it could potentially and unnecessarily restrict a person with disability from accessing vital services. The legislation recognises that, and specific programs continue to define target groups that require specific services and report. There are over 4.4 million Australians with a disability, and the government must be there to ensure that they can fully participate in the community. That is the foundational purpose of government agencies such as the NDIS. But we know that the vast majority of those with a disability, roughly four million Australians, are not supported through the NDIS, and they receive services from a number of programs that operate outside it—programs that receive funding under the current framework, which this legislation will modernise and improve. It will ensure that these programs can effectively support Australians with a disability alongside or to complement the support provided by the NDIS.

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.

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