Background to the legislation
How the new legislation was developed
Disability Services Queensland is responsible for providing leadership in disability services and programs for people with a disability and their families and carers. Some services are delivered by Disability Services Queensland itself, while others are delivered by non-government organisations funded by Disability Services Queensland. In the legislation, these are referred to as 'funded non-government service providers'.
In 2004-05 more than 16000 Queenslanders with a disability received services delivered or funded by Disability Services Queensland.
The past decade has brought significant change in the Queensland disability sector, with the development of new service approaches, community engagement processes and record increases in Queensland Government funding for disability services. The Disability Services Act 2006 was developed in response to these changes. It provides a contemporary framework for delivering services and meeting community expectations of quality and accountability.
How the new legislation was developed
The Queensland Government began a review of the Disability Services Act 1992 in 2002. Initial consultation began that year, followed by major community consultations in 2003 and 2004.
Through consultation, the Queensland community asked for legislation that:
- reaffirmed the rights of people with a disability
- set out requirements for disability service providers
- provided greater safeguards for people with a disability when they
receive services.
In May 2005, the Queensland Government responded by announcing a package of legislative reforms to strengthen and safeguard the rights of people with a disability and support continuous improvement in the quality of services they receive. These reforms form the basis of the Disability Services Act 2006.
Review of the legislation
Provides information on how the Queensland Government undertook a review of the Disability Services Act 1992.
Results of the consultation
Provides information on the community feedback received by the Government during the review of the Disability Services Act 1992.
Last updated November 2007