About the Public Benefit Test
What is a public benefit test? | Why is a public benefit test necessary? | Who will conduct the public benefit test? | Which services will be reviewed? | What options will the public benefit test consider? | How long will the public benefit test take?
What is a public benefit test?
The Public Benefit Test process provides a rigorous assessment of the benefits and costs of reform options.
Under the National Competition Policy a Public Benefit Test must be undertaken when government considers creating new legislation or extending regulation that could restrict competition in an industry.
The Australian and State Governments have agreed to the guiding principle that legislation should not restrict competition unless it can be demonstrated that:
- the benefits to the community as a whole outweigh the costs
- the objectives can only be achieved by restricting competition.
The Public Benefit Test process provides a rigorous assessment of the benefits and costs of reform options. It takes full account of the employment, regional development, social, consumer and environmental effects of legislation.
Why is a public benefit test necessary?
Disability Services Queensland is examining whether funded and unfunded providers require increased regulation by the government.
People with a disability and their families may receive a range of services from:
- Disability Services Queensland
- other government providers
- providers who do not receive funding from the government.
The last group is known as "unfunded" providers and may offer similar services as those who receive government funding.
Disability Services Queensland is examining whether funded and unfunded providers require increased regulation by the government. If so, which options will best safeguard people with a disability and bring benefits that outweigh the costs?
The public benefit test will also investigate whether further regulation could impact on the viability of disability service providers.
Who will conduct the public benefit test?
An independent consultant, Synergies Economic Consulting will conduct the public benefit test. This organisation was engaged by Disability Services Queensland through a competitive tender process.
As this is an independent evaluation, industry groups will be contacted by Synergies Economic Consulting during the consultation phase of the public benefit test.
Which services will be reviewed?
The public benefit test will examine funded and unfunded disability services. These include:
- supported accommodation services that provide people with a disability with accommodation and personal care services, such as assistance with feeding, hygiene, self-care and daily living
- respite type services delivered in the family home or in a centre
- personal care services that include in-home support for feeding, hygiene and assistance with self-care and daily living
- community access services that provide assistance with community participation.
What options will the public benefit test consider?
The public benefit test will consider whether:
- all unfunded disability services should be registered
- staff and volunteers of unfunded disability services should be required to undergo regular criminal history screening
- personal care workers in disability services should have first aid certificates
- personal care workers in disability services should have minimum qualifications, such as Certificate III in Community Services (Disability Work) to ensure they have basic training in providing support to people with a disability.
How long will the public benefit test take?
Synergies Economic Consulting is aiming to complete the public benefit test by mid 2006.
The Queensland Government will analyse the findings of the test and, if necessary, take steps to improve protection for people with a disability, while minimising negative impact on the industry.
Last updated November 2007