The Tasmanian Government today tabled the Disability Inclusion and Safeguarding Bill 2024, which is an important part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
The Bill was developed as a key outcome of a 2021 review into the Disability Services Act 2011.
Minister for Disability Services, Jo Palmer, tabled the bill in the Upper House and said the legislation is an opportunity to advance the human rights of Tasmanians with disability.
“Through this Bill, we have an opportunity to build a Tasmania that is truly equitable, inclusive and accessible to everyone,” Minister Palmer said.
“Consultation on the proposed legislation was conducted in 2023 and I want to thank people with disability, their carers, disability advocates and supporters who provided valuable feedback during the consultation.
“A key outcome of the review was the establishment of Tasmania’s first Disability Commissioner. An interim Commissioner, Mary Mallet, was appointed in January 2023.
“This Bill creates the position of a Tasmanian Disability Commissioner to promote inclusion and improve quality and safeguarding protections which complement existing investigative and safeguarding roles.”
The Bill also seeks to establish a mechanism for the formal inclusion of people with disability in leadership through the creation of a Disability Inclusion Advisory Council and makes a number of provisions around restrictive practices.
This includes regulating the use of restrictive practices by disability service providers to ensure that the least restrictive practice is used for the shortest period possible.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we will continue to support people with disability,” Minister Palmer said.
