Louise Upston Amends Disability Support Services Bill After Public Review

Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston announced amendments to the Disability Support Services (DSS) Bill following a Select Committee process that drew submissions from more than 3,000 people. The revised legislation clarifies that the government will continue supporting families without imposing additional expectations and mandates formal consultation with representative organizations for disabled people when designing future support programs.

Upston stated the Bill establishes a necessary legal framework for DSS without altering current eligibility, entitlements, or introducing new income and asset testing. The amendments align the Bill's language with the Enabling Good Lives principles and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing safety, dignity, and choice.

While the legislation will not affect two specific Supreme Court claims from December, it is expected to halt other pending court claims. To support the sector, the government has committed 2.1 billion dollars in additional funding and plans to consult on a new carers' package.