Functions of Commission
12 Functions of Commission
The functions of the Commission are —
to establish local and other bodies representative of people with disability, their families, guardians and other interested people to advise the Commission on such matters as it specifies; and
to develop policies for the provision, encouragement and facilitation of disability services; and
to make grants under Part 4 and to ensure that the use of grants is accounted for to the Commission; and
to provide and to encourage and facilitate the provision of disability services; and
to encourage people who provide services to the general public to adapt those services to meet the needs of people with disability; and
to inform people with disability about services available to them specifically, and about services available to the general public which meet the needs of people with disability, and to promote the use by them of such services; and
to inform the general public, or any section of it, about people with disability and to promote the acceptance by the general public, or any section of it, of the principles in Schedule 1; and
to advise public authorities in relation to the preparation of disability access and inclusion plans under Part 5 and to evaluate the effectiveness of such plans; and
to adopt Disability Services Standards as prescribed in relation to people with disability other than residents, and with such modification as is prescribed, and ensure that those standards are met by service providers; and
to investigate and make submissions about the effect of written laws on people with disability; and
to undertake and encourage research relating to any of its functions; and
to cooperate and act jointly with people or bodies so far as is necessary for the performance of its functions; and
subject to the Declared Places Act, to establish, operate, control, manage and ensure the security and good order of each place declared under the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 section 60 to be a declared place and specified in that declaration as a place that is to be controlled and managed by or on behalf of the Disability Services Commission under the Declared Places Act.
Subject to section 12A and Part 4A, the Commission may do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
In performing its functions the Commission is to —
further the principles in Schedule 1; and
meet the objectives in Schedule 2.
The provisions of this Act set out in the Table do not apply to the Commission in performing its functions under subsection (1)(m).
Table
Provision | Provision |
|---|---|
s. 12(3) | Part 4 |
Part 4A | s. 51 |
s. 52 | s. 53 |
s. 54 | s. 56 |
s. 57 |
[Section 12 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 7; No. 57 of 2004 s. 8; No. 40 of 2012 s. 6 and 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 71; No. 10 of 2023 s. 335.]
12A. Contracts to provide goods or services to Commission
Subject to the Procurement Act 2020 and subsection (2), the Commission may —
engage a person under a contract for services to provide such professional, technical, or other assistance; or
enter into a contract for the supply of such goods or services,
to the Commission as it considers necessary to enable it to perform its functions.
Except with the approval of the Minister, the Commission is not to enter into a contract under subsection (1) if the amount to be paid under the contract exceeds an amount specified in a written direction given to the Commission by the Minister under section 20(1).
[Section 12A inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 8; amended: No. 24 of 2020 s. 58.]
13. Power to fix fees and charges
The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister —
fix the fees and charges to be paid to the Commission for using or residing in premises owned by or under the control or management of the Commission;
fix the fees and charges to be paid to the Commission for services provided by the Commission;
determine the people or classes of people who are liable to pay the fees or charges so fixed in full or in part, or who may be exempted from such payment.
Details of the fees and charges fixed and of any determination made must be tabled by the Minister before each House of Parliament within 6 sitting days of such House next following the Minister’s approval.
14. Delegation
The Commission may in writing delegate to its personnel or a person referred to in section 10, any of its functions except this power of delegation.
Division 3 — Financial provisions
15. Funds of Commission
The funds of the Commission consist of —
moneys from time to time appropriated by Parliament; and
moneys received by the Commission in the performance of its functions; and
moneys borrowed by the Commission under this Act; and
other moneys lawfully received by, or made available, given or payable to the Commission.
An account called the Disability Services Commission Account is to be established —
as an agency special purpose account under section 16 of the Financial Management Act 2006; or
with the approval of the Treasurer, at a bank as defined in section 3 of that Act,
to which the funds referred to in subsection (1) are to be credited.
The Account is to be charged with —
the remuneration and allowances payable to members of the Board; and
the salaries and wages of the Commission’s personnel; and
all expenditure lawfully incurred by the Commission in the performance of its functions; and
repayment of, and interest on, moneys borrowed by the Commission under this Act.
[Section 15 amended: No. 28 of 2006 s. 157; No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(1).]
16. Borrowing from Treasurer
The Commission may borrow from the Treasurer such amounts as the Treasurer approves on such terms and conditions relating to repayment and payment of interest as the Treasurer imposes.
The Account and other assets of the Commission are, by virtue of this subsection, charged with the due performance by the Commission of its obligations in respect of a loan under subsection (1).
17. Borrowing generally
As well as being able to borrow under section 16, the Commission may —
with the Treasurer’s prior written approval and on such terms and conditions as the Treasurer approves, borrow money for the purpose of performing its functions; and
borrow moneys under this subsection on the guarantee of the Treasurer given under section 18.
Any moneys borrowed by the Commission under subsection (1) may be raised as one or more loans and in such manner as the Treasurer approves, but the total amount of the moneys so borrowed is not to exceed such amount as the Treasurer has approved.
18. Treasurer’s guarantee
The Treasurer may, in the name and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State, guarantee, in such form and subject to such terms and conditions as he or she determines, the payment of any moneys payable by the Commission in respect of moneys borrowed by it under section 17.
Before a guarantee is given under subsection (1) the Commission is to give the Treasurer such security as the Treasurer requires and execute all such instruments as are necessary for the purpose.
The due payment of moneys payable by the Treasurer under a guarantee given under subsection (1) —
is hereby guaranteed by the State; and
is to be charged to the Consolidated Account, which to the extent necessary is appropriated accordingly.
The Account and other assets of the Commission are, by virtue of this subsection, charged with the due repayment of any payment made by the Treasurer under a guarantee given under subsection (1) and with the performance and observance by the Commission of any terms and conditions which the Treasurer determines under that subsection in respect of that guarantee.
Any moneys received or recovered from the Commission or otherwise in respect of a payment under a guarantee given under subsection (1) are to be credited to the Consolidated Account.
The Treasurer may fix charges to be paid by the Commission to the credit of the Consolidated Account in respect of a guarantee given under this section.
Payment of charges fixed under subsection (6) is to be made at such time or times as the Treasurer determines.
[Section 18 amended: No. 77 of 2006 s. 4.]
19. Application of Financial Management Act 2006 and Auditor General Act 2006
The provisions of the Financial Management Act 2006 and the Auditor General Act 2006 regulating the financial administration, audit and reporting of statutory authorities apply to and in respect of the Commission and its operations.
[Section 19 amended: No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(2).]
Division 4 — Relationship with the Minister
20. Minister may give directions
The Minister may give directions in writing to the Commission with respect to the performance of its functions, either generally or in relation to a particular matter, and the Commission must give effect to any such direction.
The text of any direction given under subsection (1) is to be included in the annual report submitted by the accountable authority of the Commission under Part 5 of the Financial Management Act 2006.
[Section 20 amended: No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(3).]
21. Minister to have access to information
The Minister is entitled —
to have information in the possession of the Commission; and
where the information is in or on a document, to have, and make and retain copies of, that document.
For the purposes of subsection (1) the Minister may —
request the Commission to furnish information to the Minister;
request the Commission to give the Minister access to information;
for the purposes of paragraph (b) make use of the personnel and facilities of the Commission to obtain the information and furnish it to the Minister.
The Commission must comply with a request under subsection (2) and make its personnel and facilities available to the Minister for the purposes of paragraph (c) of that subsection.
The Minister is not entitled to have information under this section in a form that —
discloses the identity of a person with disability other than a resident; or
might enable the identity of any such person to be ascertained,
unless that person has consented to the disclosure.
The Minister is not entitled to have information under this section in a form that —
discloses the identity of a resident involved in a particular application, complaint or proceeding; or
might enable the identity of any such resident to be ascertained,
unless the resident or the resident’s enduring guardian or guardian (as those terms are defined in the Declared Places Act section 3) has consented to the disclosure.
In this section —
document includes any tape, disc or other device or medium on which information is recorded or stored mechanically, photographically, electronically or otherwise;
information means information specified, or of a description specified, by the Minister that relates to the functions of the Commission.
[Section 21 amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 72; No. 10 of 2023 s. 336.]
21A. Notification of general policies of Government
The Minister may notify the Commission in writing of general policies of the Government that are to be implemented by the Commission.
The Commission must ensure that the policies are implemented.
The Minister may, in writing, exempt the Commission from subsection (2) in relation to specified activities.
[Section 21A inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 9.]
21B. Minister to be consulted on major initiatives
The Commission must consult the Minister before it enters upon a course of action that in its opinion —
amounts to a major initiative; or
is likely to be of significant public interest or of significant interest to people with disability, service developers, service providers or carers.
[Section 21B inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 9; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 9; No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.]
Part 3 — Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability
[Heading inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 10; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 10.]
22. Council established
A body called the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability is established.
The Council is to comprise not more than 14 members, appointed by the Minister from persons nominated under subsection (3).
The Minister is to seek nominations, in accordance with the regulations, of persons for appointment as members of the Council.
In appointing the members the Minister is to ensure that —
they are all persons who have disability, or knowledge of, and experience in, matters relevant to people with disability; and
they reflect the interests of the entire spectrum of disability; and
at least 2 of them have had recent experience as a carer of a person with disability; and
at least 2 of them have had recent experience in matters relevant to people with disability outside the metropolitan region.
Schedule 5 has effect.
[Section 22 inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 11(1); amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 7 and 24.]
23. Council’s functions
The functions of the Council are —
to advise the Minister, or such other person as the Minister directs, on the development and implementation of policies, services, programmes and activities that —
affect people with disability;
inform the general public, or any section of it, about people with disability and that promote the acceptance by the general public, or any section of it, of the principles in Schedule 1;
and
to recommend to the Minister, or such other person as the Minister directs, ways to improve the quality of disability services other than disability services provided by carers; and
as directed by the Minister from time to time, provided that all such directions by the Minister are tabled in each House of Parliament on the first possible date after their issue.
The Council is to ensure that the interests of the public generally, and the interests of affected stakeholders in particular, are considered before it advises, or makes a recommendation to, the Minister under subsection (1)(a) or (b).
The Council may do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions.
Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the Council may request any public authority to provide it with information for the purpose of performing its functions and any such request must be complied with.
[Section 23 amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 12; No. 40 of 2012 s. 8 and 24.]
Part 4 — Financial assistance for matters relating to people with disability
[Heading amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.]
24. Grants of financial assistance
The Commission may approve a grant of financial assistance, from moneys standing to the credit of the Account, to —
a person with disability; or
a carer; or
a service provider; or
a service developer.
A grant of financial assistance must not be approved under subsection (1) unless the Commission is satisfied —
that the grant will further the principles in Schedule 1; and
that any service or programme funded by the grant meets the objectives in Schedule 2.
A grant of financial assistance may be made to a public authority.
A grant of financial assistance may be paid in a lump sum or in periodic payments.
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Commission may, until 31 December 1995, approve a grant of financial assistance if satisfied the recipient will take steps before that date to ensure the principles in Schedule 1 are furthered and the objectives in Schedule 2 are met.
[Section 24 amended: No. 49 of 1996 s. 64; No. 57 of 2004 s. 13; No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.]
25. Grant to be subject of agreement
A person is not to be paid funds under a grant of financial assistance until the person has entered into an agreement in writing with the Commission setting out the terms and conditions of the grant.
If a grant of financial assistance to an unincorporated association or body of people is approved, the agreement referred to in subsection (1) is to be entered into by an individual or individuals on its behalf.
Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a grant made to a public authority that is not a body corporate.
Without limiting the terms and conditions that may be included in an agreement referred to in subsection (1), unless the Board considers that it is inappropriate for an agreement to do so, such an agreement is to require the recipient of a grant under section 24(1)(c) or (d) to report to the Commission —
the death of any person with disability; or
significant physical or psychological harm suffered by a person with disability; or
without limiting paragraph (b), an assault (including a sexual assault) of a person with disability; or
neglect of a person with disability to an extent that results, or is likely to result, in significant physical or psychological harm to that person,
within 7 days of the recipient becoming aware of that occurrence.
In subsection (4), a reference to a person with disability is a reference to —
a person with disability to whom the recipient of a grant is providing a disability service; or
a person with disability who is the subject of the agreement.
If under subsection (4) the Board decides that it is inappropriate for an agreement to require a recipient of a grant to report to the Commission, the Board is to report to the Minister that it has made that decision.
[Section 25 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 11; No. 57 of 2004 s. 14; No. 40 of 2012 s. 9 and 24.]
26. Minister may review Commission’s decisions
A service provider which is affected directly by a decision by the Commission under this Part may, in writing, request the Minister to review the decision.
The Minister has an absolute discretion to review a decision by the Commission under this Part, whether on a request under subsection (1) or otherwise.
The Minister is to provide a service provider which has requested a review under this section with —
written reasons for refusing to conduct a review; or
written conclusions reached after conducting a review.
After reviewing a decision by the Commission under this Part the Minister may give the Commission a direction under section 20.
Part 4A — Contracts to provide some disability services
[Heading inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 15.]
26A. Terms used
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears —
commencement day means the day on which the Disability Services Amendment Act 1999 comes into operation;
disability service does not include a disability service provided by a carer.
[Section 26A inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 16; No. 24 of 2020 s. 59.]
26B. Method of contracting to provide services for people with disability
If the Commission wishes to contract with a service provider to provide disability services on behalf of the Commission, the Commission is to apply to the Minister for approval of the means of procuring the services.
If approval is sought under subsection (1), the Minister may direct —
that the services be procured by means of a tender; or
that the Commission by public notice invite expressions of interest from service providers for the provision of the services; or
that the Commission enter into negotiations with a service provider for the provision of the services.
Any such tender, expression of interest or negotiation must be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2020 and the procurement directions under that Act.
The Commission may renew a contract, including a contract by way of renewal under this subsection —
for the type of service referred to in subsection (1) entered into before the commencement day; or
entered into under this section,
without complying with this section.
[Section 26B inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 17; No. 24 of 2020 s. 60.]
26C. Assignment of benefit of contract
A person who after the commencement day has entered into a contract with the Commission for the provision of a disability service may not assign the benefit of that contract without the consent of the Commission.
When the benefit of a contract is assigned, the assignee is bound, by force of this subsection, to perform the obligations which the assignor was bound under the contract to perform.
Any purported assignment in contravention of this section is void.
[Section 26C inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 18.]
Part 4B — Trial of disability services model
[Heading inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.]
26D. Purpose of this Part
The purpose of this Part is to facilitate the trial in WA of a model for providing disability services, in order to enable the comparison of the model to the National Disability Insurance Scheme model.
[Section 26D inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.]
26E. Terms used
In this Part —
National Disability Insurance Scheme has the meaning given in the NDIS Act section 9;
NDIS Act means the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Commonwealth);
participant means a participant in a trial;
trial means a trial conducted by the Commission under section 26G(1).
[Section 26E inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.]
26F. Effect of certain terms in the NDIS Act
When the Commission is assessing whether or not a criterion or requirement in the NDIS Act has been met for the purposes of this Part, a reference in the NDIS Act to a term listed in the Table is to be read as if it were a reference to the corresponding term.
Table
NDIS Act term | Corresponding term |
|---|---|
CEO | Commission |
National Disability Insurance Scheme | this Act |
National Disability Insurance Scheme rules | regulations made under this Act |
[Section 26F inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.]
26G. Trial of disability services model
The Commission may, in one or more areas prescribed by the regulations, conduct a trial of a model for providing disability services that meets the objectives set out in subsection (2).
The objectives of the model include —
providing people with disability with reasonable and necessary supports; and
enabling people with disability to exercise choice and control in the pursuit of their goals and the planning and delivery of their supports.
The regulations may prescribe one or more periods during which a trial is to be conducted.
[Section 26G inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.]
26H. Trial participants
The Commission must ensure that a person does not participate in a trial unless the Commission is satisfied that at the time the person becomes a participant —
either —
the person has not reached 65 years of age; or
the person belongs to a class of persons approved by the Commission for the purposes of this paragraph;
and
the person meets the residence requirements in the NDIS Act section 23(1)(a) and (b); and
either —
the person meets the disability requirements in the NDIS Act section 24; or
the person meets the early intervention requirements in the NDIS Act section 25;
and
the person meets any other requirement prescribed by the regulations.
For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), in deciding whether or not a person meets the residence requirement in the NDIS Act section 23(1)(a), the Commission must have regard to the matters set out in the NDIS Act section 23(2).
[Section 26H inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.]
26I. Reasonable and necessary supports for participants
In this section —
plan, in relation to a participant, means the plan for the participant that is prepared in accordance with the Commission’s requirements;
support means —
financial assistance granted under section 24; or
a disability service provided by the Commission.
Before providing support to, or in relation to, a participant, the Commission must be satisfied that —
the support will assist the participant to pursue the goals, objectives and aspirations set out in the participant’s plan; and
the support meets the criteria set out in the NDIS Act section 34(1)(b) to (f).
[Section 26I inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.]
Part 5 — Disability access and inclusion plans by public authorities
[Heading amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 19.]
27. Application of Part
This Part applies to public authorities.
Notwithstanding subsection (1), regulations may declare that this Part does not apply to a specified public authority.
28. Disability access and inclusion plans
Each public authority must have a disability access and inclusion plan to ensure that in so far as its functions involve dealings with the general public, the performance of those functions furthers the principles in Schedule 1 and meets the objectives in Schedule 2.
A disability access and inclusion plan must meet any prescribed standards.
A public authority must lodge its disability access and inclusion plan with the Commission —
if the authority was established before the commencement of the Disability Services Amendment Act 2004, without delay;
if the authority is established after the commencement of the Disability Services Amendment Act 2004, within 12 months after the day on which it is established.
A public authority may amend its disability access and inclusion plan at any time.
A public authority may review its disability access and inclusion plan at any time.
After reviewing its disability access and inclusion plan, a public authority must lodge a report of the review with the Commission in accordance with subsection (7).
Not more than 5 years is to elapse —
between the day on which a public authority first lodges its disability access and inclusion plan with the Commission and the day it lodges a report of a review of the plan with the Commission; or
between the lodgment of the report of one review of a plan and the lodgment of the report of another review of the plan.
After reviewing its disability access and inclusion plan, a public authority may amend the plan or prepare a new plan.
If at any time a public authority amends its disability access and inclusion plan or prepares a new plan, whether after a review or not, it must lodge the amended or new plan with the Commission as soon as practicable after doing so.
A public authority must undertake public consultation in accordance with the procedure specified in the regulations when preparing, reviewing or amending a disability access and inclusion plan.
[Section 28 inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 20(1).]
29. Report about disability access and inclusion plan
A public authority that has a disability access and inclusion plan must, if required to report under Part 5 of the Financial Management Act 2006, include in such report, a report about the implementation of the plan.
A local government or regional local government that has a disability access and inclusion plan must include in its annual report prepared under section 5.53 of the Local Government Act 1995 a report about the implementation of the plan.
A public authority that —
has prepared or amended a disability access and inclusion plan in a year ending 30 June; and
is not required to report under subsection (1) or (2),
must make a report about the implementation of the plan to the Commission within 2 months after the end of that year.
The regulations may prescribe information that must be included in a report under subsection (1), (2) or (3) about the implementation of a disability access and inclusion plan.
[Section 29 inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 14; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 21; No. 5 of 2005 s. 38; No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(4).]
29A. Disability access and inclusion plans to be made available
A public authority that has a disability access and inclusion plan must ensure that the plan is made available to people with disability, and the public generally, by publication in the prescribed manner.
[Section 29A inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 22; amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 10.]
29B. Public authorities to ensure implementation of disability access and inclusion plan
A public authority that has a disability access and inclusion plan must take all practicable measures to ensure that the plan is implemented by the public authority and its officers, employees, agents or contractors.
[Section 29B inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 22.]
29C. Annual report by Commission about plans
As soon as practicable after each 1 July the Commission must give the Minister a report on the effectiveness of disability access and inclusion plans, and the extent to which they have been complied with, during the year that ended on the preceding 30 June.
The Minister must cause the report received under subsection (1) to be laid before each House of Parliament within 14 sitting days after the Minister receives it.
[Section 29C inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 22.]
Part 6 — Complaints about some disability services and resident services
[Heading amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 23; No. 4 of 2015 s. 73.]
Division 1 — Preliminary
30. Terms used
In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears —
Carers Charter has the meaning given to that term in section 5 of the Carers Recognition Act 2004;
complaint means a complaint under Division 2;
Complaints Office means the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office continued by section 6(1) of the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995;
declared place means a declared place as defined in the Declared Places Act section 3;
disability service has the meaning given by section 3 but does not include —
such a service where it is provided wholly or partly from funds provided by the Health Department; or
such a service where it is provided wholly from funds paid to the service provider by the Commonwealth of Australia; or
such a service where it is provided by a carer; or
such a service where it is prescribed by regulation;
Health Department has the meaning given to Department by section 3 of the Health Legislation Administration Act 1984;
member of the staff has the meaning given to that term by section 3(1) of the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995;
representative, in relation to a person with a disability, means the person’s representative recognised under section 32(2);
resident service means any of the following —
the operation, control, management and ensuring of the security and good order of a declared place;
any service related to a matter mentioned in paragraph (a);
providing for the care, protection and safety of residents;
providing programmes for, and other training of, residents;
any other service that the Declared Places Act requires to be provided to residents,
but does not include an advocacy service for a resident or a service prescribed by regulation;
respondent means a person about whom or which a complaint is made;
service provider, in relation to the provision of a resident service, means —
the Commission; or
a contractor or subcontractor as defined in the Declared Places Act section 3; or
any other person that renders or provides resident services,
but does not include a service prescribed by regulation.
[Section 30 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 15; No. 37 of 2004 s. 26; No. 57 of 2004 s. 24; No. 28 of 2006 s. 158; No. 33 of 2010 s. 34; No. 4 of 2015 s. 74.]
30AA. This Part to be read with Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995
This Part is to be read with the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995.
[Section 30AA inserted No. 33 of 2010 s. 35.]
30A. Functions of Director
The functions of the Director under this Part are as follows —
to deal with complaints in accordance with this Part;
in collaboration with groups of service providers or groups of persons to whom disability services are provided or both, to review and identify the causes of complaints, and to suggest ways of removing and minimising those causes and bringing them to the notice of the public;
to take steps to bring to the notice of people with disability and service providers details of procedures for making complaints under this Act;
to assist service providers in developing and improving procedures for making complaints and the training of staff in handling complaints;
with the approval of the Minister, to inquire into broader issues of the care of people with disability arising out of complaints received;
subject to subsection (2), to cause information about the work of the Complaints Office to be published from time to time;
to provide advice generally on any matter relating to complaints under this Act, and in particular —
advice to people with disability on the making of complaints; and
advice to people with disability as to other avenues available for dealing with complaints; and
advice about removing or minimising the causes of complaints.
The function of the Director under subsection (1)(f) does not include the publication of information in a form that —
discloses the identity of a person with disability involved in a complaint; or
might enable the identity of any such person to be ascertained,
but nothing in this subsection affects the operation of section 43B.
[Section 30A inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 25; amended: No. 33 of 2010 s. 36; No. 40 of 2012 s. 11 and 24.]
31. Parties themselves may resolve complaint
Nothing in this Part prevents the complainant and the respondent resolving a complaint by agreement at any time, whether or not with the help of the Complaints Office, but if that occurs the complainant must notify the Director of the fact without delay.
When the Director becomes aware that a complaint has been resolved, he or she must stop dealing with it under this Part.
[Section 31 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 37.]
Division 2 — Complaints and conciliation
32. Who may complain
A complaint about a person referred to in section 33(1) or (3) alleging one or more of the matters set out in section 33(2) or (4) may be made to the Director —
personally by a person with disability; or
on behalf of a person with disability, by a person who under subsection (2) is recognised as the person’s representative; or
by 2 or more persons —
on their own behalf; or
on behalf of themselves and another person or other persons.
A complaint may be made to the Director under this section by a professional registration Board where that Board becomes aware of one or more of the matters set out in section 33(2) in relation to a member of its profession.
The Director may recognise as a representative of a person with disability —
a person chosen as such by the person with disability; or
a person not chosen by the person with disability if, in the Director’s opinion —
the person with disability is unable personally to complain and is unable personally to choose a person to be his or her representative; and
the prospective representative is a person who has a sufficient interest in the subject matter of the complaint;
or
a person not chosen by the person with disability if —
the person with disability has died; and
in the Director’s opinion, the prospective representative is a person who has a sufficient interest in the subject matter of the complaint.
A person who is related (by blood or marriage) to, or is in a de facto relationship with, a person with disability may be his or her representative.
A complaint alleging the matter set out in section 33(2)(f) may be made to the Director by a carer about a person who —
is referred to in section 33(1); and
is an applicable organisation as defined in section 4 of the Carers Recognition Act 2004.
[Section 32 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22 and 23; No. 37 of 2004 s. 27; No. 33 of 2010 s. 38; No. 40 of 2012 s. 12 and 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 75.]
33. Who and what can be complained about
A complaint may be about —
a service provider who or which, at the time the subject matter of the complaint arose, was providing a disability service, whether or not with funds granted under Part 4; or
a service provider which is a public authority, other than the Health Department, and which, at the time the subject matter of the complaint arose, was providing a disability service, whether or not with funds granted under Part 4; or
the Commission.
A complaint made under subsection (1) must allege that after the date on which this Act comes into operation, a service provider or the Commission —
acted unreasonably by not providing a disability service to the complainant; or
acted unreasonably by providing a disability service to the complainant, whether the service was requested by the complainant or a third party; or
acted unreasonably in the manner of providing a disability service to the complainant; or
acted unreasonably by denying or restricting the complainant’s access to records relating to the complainant kept by the service provider or the Commission; or
acted unreasonably in disclosing records or confidential information relating to the complainant; or
failed to comply with the Carers Charter; or
failed to comply with the Disability Services Standards, or failed to ensure that those standards were met by service providers; or
in respect of a complaint about a matter mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) made to the provider or Commission by a person with disability, acted unreasonably by —
not properly investigating the complaint or causing it to be properly investigated; or
not taking, or causing to be taken, proper action on the complaint;
or
acted unreasonably by charging the complainant an excessive fee; or
acted unreasonably with respect to a fee,
or that the Commission acted unreasonably in making or not making a grant to the complainant under Part 4.
A complaint may be made about a service provider that, at the time the subject matter of the complaint arose, was providing or was required to provide a resident service.
A complaint made under subsection (3) may allege only that the service provider —
acted unreasonably by not providing a resident service to the complainant; or
acted unreasonably by providing a resident service to the complainant, whether the service was requested by the complainant or a third party; or
acted unreasonably in the manner of providing a resident service to the complainant; or
acted unreasonably by denying or restricting the complainant’s access to records relating to the complainant kept by the service provider; or
acted unreasonably in disclosing records or confidential information relating to the complainant; or
failed to have regard to the principles set out in the Declared Places Act section 5(1) to (3) as required by section 5(4) of that Act; or
failed to have regard to the objectives set out in the Declared Places Act section 6(1) to (7) as required by section 6(8) of that Act; or
failed to comply with the Carers Charter; or
in respect of a complaint about a matter mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) made to the service provider by a resident, acted unreasonably by —
not properly investigating the complaint or not causing it to be properly investigated; or
not taking, or not causing to be taken, proper action in relation to the complaint;
or
failed to give an explanation as required under the Declared Places Act section 8(1), (2) or (3) or failed to give an explanation in the manner required by section 8(4) of that Act; or
acted unreasonably in the making of an order under the Declared Places Act section 10(1) or (4); or
acted unreasonably in relation to the regulated behaviour management, as defined in the Declared Places Act section 3, of a resident.
[Section 33 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 16; No. 37 of 2004 s. 28; No. 33 of 2010 s. 39; No. 40 of 2012 s. 13 and 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 76.]
33A. Health services complaints
A complaint cannot be made under this Act about a matter if a complaint about that matter could be made under Part 3 of the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995.
[Section 33A inserted: No. 75 of 1995 s. 80(2); amended: No. 33 of 2010 s. 40.]
34. Time for complaining
The Director must reject a complaint the subject matter of which occurred more than 24 months before the complaint is made unless, in the Director’s opinion, the complainant has shown good reason for the delay.
[Section 34 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 17, 22 and 23.]
35. How to complain
A person may complain to the Director orally, including by telephone, or in writing.
If the Director receives an oral complaint the Director must require the complainant to confirm it in writing unless the complainant satisfies the Director that there is good reason why the complaint should not be confirmed in writing.
The Director must require a complainant to give his or her name and may require the complainant to give other information relating to the complainant’s identity.
The Director may require a complainant to give more information about the complaint within a time fixed by the Director.
If a complainant does not comply with a requirement of the Director under subsection (2), (3) or (4), the Director may reject the complaint.
[Section 35 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22.]
36. Withdrawal of complaint
A complainant may at any time withdraw the complaint by notifying the Director and the Director must then —
stop dealing with the complaint; and
if details have been given under section 37(3), notify the respondent of the withdrawal; and
if the complaint has been referred under section 38(4), notify the person to whom it has been referred.
[Section 36 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 41.]
37. Preliminary decision by Director
Within 28 days after receiving a complaint the Director must decide whether, and to what extent —
to accept it; or
to reject, defer or refer it under section 38,
but the Director may extend the 28 day period for a further period not exceeding 28 days if it is for the benefit of the complainant to do so.
To enable the Director to make a decision under subsection (1) the Director may make such inquiries as the Director considers appropriate.
Within 14 days after making a decision under subsection (1), the Director must —
if the complaint is rejected — give to the complainant written details of the decision; or
if the complaint is deferred or referred —
give to the complainant — written details of the decision; and
give to the respondent — written details of the complaint and of the decision;
or
if the complaint is accepted —
give to the complainant — written details of the decision and of the arrangements made for conciliation discussions between the complainant and the respondent; and
give to the respondent — written details of the complaint, of the decision, and of the arrangements made for conciliation discussions between the complainant and the respondent and a written statement that the respondent may make submissions to the Director.
If under subsection (1) a complaint is accepted, the Director may give the respondent a written notice requiring the respondent to give the Director a written response to the complaint in accordance with section 39A.
If under subsection (1) a complaint is accepted, the Director must then —
attempt to settle it in accordance with section 39B; or
refer it for conciliation under section 39 if the Director is of the opinion it is suitable to be dealt with under that section; or
investigate it if the Director is of the opinion that —
it is not suitable to be dealt with under either section 39B or 39; and
an investigation is warranted, taking into account the likely costs and benefits of the investigation.
If the Director considers that on account of particular circumstances the disclosure of the complainant’s identity —
may result in the health, safety or welfare of the complainant being put at risk; or
would prejudice the proper investigation of the complaint,
the Director, in giving written details under subsection (3)(b) or (c), is not to disclose the identity of the complainant.
Where the Director has acted under subsection (4), the Director must disclose the identity of the complainant to the respondent if the Director later becomes satisfied that the circumstances described under that subsection no longer apply.
If the Director decides that a complaint is not suitable to be dealt with under either section 39B or 39 and does not warrant investigating, the Director must advise the complainant in writing of the decision and that the Director will take no further action on the complaint.
While performing functions under this section in relation to a complaint, the Director must not try to settle the complaint.
[Section 37 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 42.]
38. Rejection, deferral or referral of complaints
The Director must reject a complaint that in the Director’s opinion —
is vexatious, trivial or without substance; or
does not warrant any further action; or
does not comply with this Part.
The Director may reject a complaint if, in the Director’s opinion, the complainant has not taken reasonable steps to resolve the matter with the respondent.
If an issue raised in a complaint has already been dealt with under another written law or a law of the Commonwealth or by a court, the Director must reject the complaint to the extent to which it relates to that issue.
If an issue raised in a complaint is being dealt with under another written law or a law of the Commonwealth or by a court, the Director must defer dealing with the complaint to the extent to which it relates to that issue.
If a complaint raises issues that in the opinion of the Director would be better dealt with under another written law, the Director may, with the written consent of the complainant, refer the complaint to the appropriate person to be dealt with under that other written law, but the Director may not refer a complaint to a court.
If a complaint raises issues that in the opinion of the Director would be better dealt with by a professional registration Board, the Director may, with the written consent of the complainant, refer the complaint to the appropriate Board to be dealt with by that Board’s disciplinary powers.
[Section 38 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22 and 23; No. 40 of 2012 s. 14; No. 4 of 2015 s. 77.]
39A. Response by respondent
A respondent who is given a notice under section 37(3)(c) may give the Director a written response to the complaint concerned.
A respondent who is given a notice under section 37(4A) must give the Director a written response to the complaint concerned.
Any response given under subsection (1) or (2) must be given to the Director within 28 days, or any longer period allowed under subsection (4), after the date on which the provider receives a notice given under section 37(3)(c) or (4A), as the case requires.
The Director may extend that 28 day period for good reason.
If a respondent does not comply with subsection (2), the Director may nevertheless deal with the complaint under this Part.
A respondent who does not comply with subsection (2) does not commit an offence.
The Director must include in the annual report of the Complaints Office required by the Financial Management Act 2006 Part 5 the details of any breach of subsection (2) that, in the Director’s opinion, was committed without a reasonable excuse.
Evidence of anything said in a response given by a respondent under this section is not admissible in proceedings before a court or tribunal.
Despite the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 section 20(3), evidence referred to in subsection (8) may be disclosed to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations for the purposes of an investigation under that Act.
[Section 39A inserted: No. 33 of 2010 s. 43.]
39B. Resolving complaints by negotiation
Having accepted a complaint and complied with section 37(3)(c), the Director may, by negotiating with the complainant and the respondent, attempt to bring about a settlement of the complaint that is acceptable to the parties to it.
For the purposes of subsection (1) the Director may make any inquiries the Director considers appropriate.
If within 56 days, or any longer period allowed under subsection (4), after the date of complying with section 37(3)(c) the complaint has not been settled under subsection (1), the Director must —
refer it for conciliation under section 39 if the Director is of the opinion it is suitable to be dealt with under that section; or
investigate it if the Director is of the opinion that —
it is not suitable to be dealt with under section 39; and
an investigation is warranted, taking into account the likely costs and benefits of the investigation.
The Director may extend that 56 day period if it is for the benefit of the complainant to do so.
If the Director decides a complaint is not suitable to be dealt with under section 39 and does not warrant investigating, the Director must advise the complainant in writing of the decision and that the Director will take no further action on the complaint.
Evidence of anything said or admitted during any negotiation conducted under subsection (1) is not admissible in proceedings before a court or tribunal.
Despite the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 section 20(3), evidence referred to in subsection (6) may be disclosed to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations for the purposes of an investigation under that Act.
[Section 39B inserted: No. 33 of 2010 s. 43.]
39. Conciliation of complaints
On referring a complaint for conciliation the Director must assign the task of conciliating the complaint to a member of the staff whose duties consist of or include the conciliation of complaints.
A conciliator’s function is to encourage the settlement of the complaint by —
arranging for the complainant and the respondent to hold informal discussions about the complaint;
helping in the conduct of those discussions;
if possible, assisting the complainant and the respondent to reach agreement.
During the conciliation process neither the complainant nor the respondent may be represented by another person, but —
the complainant may be represented by his or her representative;
if the Director is satisfied that the process will not work effectively otherwise, the Director may allow either party to be represented.
Nothing in subsection (3) prevents the personal attendance of any other person who may, in the opinion of the conciliator, help in the conciliation.
Evidence of anything said or admitted during the conciliation process is not admissible in proceedings before a court or tribunal.
If the conciliation process fails to result in the settlement of a complaint between the complainant and the respondent, the Director may investigate the complaint, if of the opinion that an investigation is warranted, taking into account the likely costs and benefits of the investigation.
[Section 39 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22 and 23; No. 33 of 2010 s. 44; No. 40 of 2012 s. 15; No. 4 of 2015 s. 78.]
Division 3 — Investigations
40. Investigation of complaints and referred matters
[(1), (2) deleted]
The Director may at any time during an investigation try to encourage the settlement of a complaint.
The purpose of an investigation is to enable the Director to decide whether or not any unreasonable conduct referred to in section 33(2) or (4) has occurred and in so deciding, the Director is to have regard to the following —
the principles in Schedule 1 and the objectives in Schedule 2;
in the case of an investigation in relation to the provision of a resident service, the following —
the principles and objectives set out in the Declared Places Act Part 2;
any relevant individual development plan as defined in section 3 of that Act;
each applicable minimum standard under section 46 of that Act;
the provisions of any relevant contract;
any agreement entered into by the service provider under section 25, or contract entered into under section 26B or assigned to the service provider under section 26C;
any disability access and inclusion plan prepared under section 28;
the generally accepted quality of service delivery expected of a service provider or the Commission, as the case may be;
the Disability Services Standards;
the Carers Charter.
In conducting an investigation the Director —
must proceed with as little formality and technicality and as speedily as the requirements of this Part and proper investigation of the matter permits; and
is not bound by the rules of evidence but may inform himself or herself of any matter in such manner as he or she considers appropriate; and
may, subject to this Part and the rules of natural justice, determine his or her own procedures.
In conducting an investigation the Director may make use of a member of the staff.
If the conciliation process is successful in the settlement of a complaint between the complainant and the respondent, the conciliator must make a final report to the Director on the result of that process.
A report made under subsection (7) is to include details of any agreement reached.
[Section 40 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 18 and 22; No. 37 of 2004 s. 29; No. 57 of 2004 s. 26; No. 33 of 2010 s. 45; No. 40 of 2012 s. 16; No. 4 of 2015 s. 79.]
41. Director’s powers on investigation
In this section —
person’s representative means —
the person’s representative recognised under section 32(2); or
a guardian of the person under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990; or
in the case of a minor, a parent or guardian of the minor;
relevant information means information that is relevant to an investigation under section 40;
relevant record means a record of information, however compiled, recorded or stored, that is relevant to an investigation under section 40.
The Director may, by notice in writing given to a person, require the person —
to furnish the Director with a statement signed by the person or, in the case of a body corporate, by an officer of the body corporate, containing such relevant information as is specified in the notice;
to produce to the Director such relevant records as are specified in the notice.
The Director is not to issue a notice under subsection (2) to a person unless the Director has reason to believe that the person is capable of furnishing the relevant information or producing the relevant records, as the case may be.
A notice under subsection (2) is to specify the time and place for furnishing the relevant information or producing the relevant records, as the case may be.
Where a relevant record is produced in accordance with a notice under this section, the Director may —
take possession of and retain it for such reasonable period as is necessary for the purposes of the investigation;
inspect it and make copies of it;
during that period permit a person who would be entitled to inspect the record if it were not in the possession of the Director to inspect it.
Nothing in this section prevents a person from —
refusing to disclose relevant information or to produce a relevant record because it contains information in respect of which there is legal professional privilege;
refusing to produce medical records except where —
those medical records relate to the subject matter of the complaint; and
the person to whom the records relate, or the person’s representative, has consented to the disclosure of information in the records.
A person who has been given a notice under this section must not, without reasonable excuse, proof of which is on the person, refuse or fail —
to furnish relevant information; or
to produce a relevant record.
Penalty:
in the case of an individual — $1 000;
in the case of a body corporate — $5 000.
A person who has been given a notice under this section must not, without reasonable excuse, proof of which is on the person, furnish relevant information, or produce a relevant record, that the person knows is false or misleading in a material respect.
Penalty: $2 500.
[Section 41 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 46; No. 4 of 2015 s. 80.]
42A. Conciliator must not investigate
A person who under section 39 has conciliated a complaint or attempted to do so must not investigate that complaint.
[Section 42A inserted: No. 33 of 2010 s. 47.]
Division 4 — Consequences of investigation
42. Director to decide, give reasons etc.
After an investigation the Director must decide whether or not any unreasonable conduct referred to in section 33(2) has occurred and must give written notice of the decision to —
in the case of a complaint — the complainant and the respondent; or
in the case of an investigation conducted under section 46 — the Minister and any person affected by the decision; or
in the case of a matter referred under section 46A(1) — the presiding officer of the House or committee and any person affected by the decision.
The written notice must be provided —
in a case referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b) — within 14 days after the decision is made; and
in a case referred to in subsection (1)(c) — within any time limit set out in the referral of the House or committee.
The written notice must —
include the reasons for the decision; and
if the Director has decided that unreasonable conduct has occurred, set out any action that the Director recommends ought to be taken to remedy the matter by —
the respondent; or
any other person.
Before making a decision under subsection (1) to recommend any action that ought to be taken to remedy the matter, the Director must —
consult the respondent; and
if any action that the Director considers ought to be taken to remedy the matter is likely to have an impact on people other than the respondent, consult a group of those people.
The Director is not to include in a written notice given under subsection (1)(c) any information that —
discloses the identity of a person with disability; or
might enable the identity of any such person to be ascertained,
unless that person has consented to the disclosure.
[Section 42 inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 27; amended: No. 33 of 2010 s. 48; No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.]
43A. Warrants
If the Director considers it necessary or appropriate for a particular investigation under this Act, the Director may apply for a warrant under the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995 section 63 to further that investigation.
If a warrant is issued as a result of that application, the Director may act upon the warrant issued under that Act in accordance with, and subject to the provisions of, Part 4 of that Act.
[Section 43A inserted: No. 40 of 2012 s. 17.]
43B. Reports to Parliament
The Director may at any time lay a report before each House of Parliament on any matter that the Director considers necessary —
arising from an individual complaint or an investigation; or
in relation to the performance of the Director’s functions under this Act.
Subsection (1) does not limit Part 5 of the Financial Management Act 2006.
The Director is not to include in any such report any information that —
discloses the identity of a person with disability; or
might enable the identity of any such person to be ascertained,
unless that person has consented to the disclosure.
[Section 43B, formerly section 42A inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 27; renumbered as section 43B: No. 40 of 2012 s. 18(1); amended: No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(5); No. 40 of 2012 s. 18(2).]
43. Respondent to report on remedial action
If a decision under section 42 recommends remedial action be taken by the respondent, the respondent must, within 45 days after receiving the notice of the decision, report in writing to the Director what action the respondent has taken to remedy the matter.
Penalty: $2 500.
Within the 45 day period referred to in subsection (1), the respondent may ask the Director to extend the time within which the respondent must report to the Director.
If asked under subsection (2), the Director may extend the time by no more than 15 days.
[Section 43 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 19 and 22.]
44. Report to Parliament where report not made or remedial action not taken
If a decision under section 42 recommends remedial action be taken by the respondent and the respondent does not report in accordance with section 43, the Director must give the Minister a copy of the decision and a written report about the refusal or failure by the respondent to so report.
If a decision under section 42 recommends remedial action be taken by the respondent and the respondent does not take the remedial action recommended within such time as in the Director’s opinion is reasonable, the Director must give the Minister a copy of the decision and a written report about the refusal or failure by the respondent to take the remedial action.
After receiving the decision and a report under subsection (1) or (2) the Minister may lay both before each House of Parliament.
The Director is not to include the complainant’s name in the material given to the Minister under subsection (1) or (2) unless authorised to do so by the complainant.
[Section 44 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22 and 23; No. 57 of 2004 s. 28.]
Division 4A — Director’s relationship with the Minister
[Heading inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 29.]
44A. Minister may give directions
The Minister may give directions in writing to the Director with respect to the performance of the functions of the Director under this Act, either generally or in relation to a particular matter, and the Director is to give effect to any such direction.
Without limiting section 46, the Minister cannot under subsection (1) direct the Director with respect to the performance of the Director’s functions in respect of —
a particular person; or
a particular complaint; or
a matter relating to a particular complaint.
The Minister must cause the text of any direction given under subsection (1) to be laid before each House of Parliament within 14 sitting days after the direction is given.
The text of a direction given under subsection (1) is to be included in the annual report submitted by the accountable authority in respect of the Complaints Office under Part 5 of the Financial Management Act 2006.
[Section 44A inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 29; amended: No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(6); No. 33 of 2010 s. 49.]
44B. Minister to have access to information
The Minister is entitled —
to have information in the possession of the Director; and
where the information is in or on a document, to have, and make and retain copies of, that document.
For the purposes of subsection (1) the Minister may —
request the Director to furnish information to the Minister; and
request the Director to give the Minister access to information; and
for the purposes of paragraph (b) make use of the staff of the Complaints Office to obtain the information and furnish it to the Minister.
The Director is to comply with a request under subsection (2) and make staff and facilities available to the Minister for the purposes of paragraph (c) of that subsection.
The Minister is not entitled to have information under this section in a form that —
discloses the identity of a person involved in a complaint; or
might enable the identity of any such person to be ascertained,
unless that person has consented to the disclosure.
In this section —
document includes any tape, disk or other device or medium on which information is recorded or stored mechanically, photographically, electronically or otherwise;
information means information specified, or of a description specified, by the Minister that relates to the functions of the Director under this Act.
[Section 44B inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 29; amended: No. 33 of 2010 s. 50.]
Division 5 — General
45. Proceedings to stop if court action etc.
The Director must stop dealing with or investigating a complaint if the Director becomes aware that the complainant or the respondent has begun proceedings under another written law or a law of the Commonwealth or in a court, which relate to an issue raised by the complaint.
If the Director stops dealing with a complaint under subsection (1), the Director must, within 14 days of doing so, give written notice of the fact to the complainant and the respondent.
If the Director has stopped dealing with a complaint under subsection (1) and later becomes aware that the proceedings under another written law or a law of the Commonwealth or in a court have been discontinued or abandoned, the Director may, with the consent of the complainant, resume dealing with the complaint under this Part.
[Section 45 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22.]
46. Minister may refer matters for investigation
Where the Minister is of the opinion that —
circumstances exist in relation to a person with disability that would justify a complaint being made under this Part; or
it is in the public interest on a matter of general importance relating to disability services or resident services that an investigation be carried out,
the Minister may direct the Director to conduct an investigation under Division 3 in accordance with such terms of reference as the Minister may specify.
[Section 46 inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 30; amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 81.]
46A. Investigation at the request of Parliament
At any time —
either House of Parliament; or
any committee of either or both Houses,
may refer to the Director for investigation any matter relating to the provision of disability services or a particular disability service that the House or committee considers should be investigated by the Director.
If a matter is referred to the Director, the Director must investigate the matter and report the result of the investigation to the presiding officer of the House or committee within any time limit set out in the referral.
[Section 46A inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 31; amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 19.]
46B. False or misleading statements
A person must not make a statement in a complaint, statement or report given to the Director under this Part that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material respect.
Penalty: $2 500.
[Section 46B inserted: No. 33 of 2010 s. 51.]
47. Person not to be penalised because of complaining
A person must not —
by threats or intimidation persuade or attempt to persuade another person —
not to make a complaint or to withdraw such a complaint or not to continue proceedings under this Act in respect of such a complaint; or
not to provide information to or not to otherwise assist the Director in conducting an investigation under Division 3;
or
refuse to employ, or dismiss, another person or subject another person to any detriment, because the other person intends to make a complaint, or has made a complaint, or intends to take part, is taking part, or has taken part, in proceedings under this Part in respect of a complaint or an investigation.
Penalty: $2 500.
[Section 47 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22.]
48A. Prescribed service provider must give certain information
Within the prescribed time after 30 June in each year a prescribed service provider or a service provider that belongs to a prescribed class of service providers must give to the Director a return concerning complaints received and action taken by the service provider during the year that ended on that 30 June.
Penalty: a fine of $1 000.
The return is to be in the prescribed form or the form prescribed for the class of service providers, as the case may require.
[Section 48A inserted: No. 40 of 2012 s. 20.]
48. Registers of complaints
The Director is to establish and maintain —
a register of complaints; and
a register of matters referred for investigation.
The registers are to be established and maintained in such manner as is determined from time to time by the Director.
The form and contents of the registers are to be determined from time to time by the Director.
[Section 48 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22.]
49. Delegation
The Director may, by instrument in writing, either generally or as otherwise provided by the instrument, delegate to a member of the staff, the Director’s functions in this Part, other than —
this power of delegation; and
the duty in section 42 to decide if unreasonable conduct has occurred and the power to recommend remedial action.
[Section 49 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 20 and 22.]
50. Confidentiality
Section 71 of the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995, with such modifications as are necessary, applies to the Director and to a delegate under section 49 in respect of information or documents relating to the affairs of another person acquired by the Director or delegate under this Part.
[Section 50 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 21 and 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 52.]
Part 7 — Miscellaneous
51. Protection
A member of the Board is not personally liable in civil proceedings for anything done or omitted to be done by the Commission, in good faith, in the exercise or purported exercise of its functions under this Act.
A member of the Council is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be done by the Council, in good faith, in the exercise or purported exercise of its functions under this Act.
A person is not personally liable in civil proceedings for an act done or omission made, in good faith, in the performance or purported performance of a function under this Act.
52. Confidentiality
A person who is or has been in a situation to which this section applies must not, whether directly or indirectly, record, disclose, or make use of any information obtained because of that situation except —
in the course of duty; or
as required or allowed by this Act or any other law; or
in connection with the investigation of an offence to —
a member of the Police Force of Western Australia or the Australian Federal Police; or
the Director of Public Prosecutions for Western Australia or the Commonwealth; or
an officer of another law enforcement agency established under the law of a State or Territory or the Commonwealth authorised by regulation to receive confidential information under this paragraph;
or
where it is in the public interest to protect the physical safety of an individual; or
for the purpose of enabling or facilitating the investigation by the CEO as defined in section 3 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004, or an officer as defined in that section, of whether or not a child is in need of protection under that Act; or
for the purpose of protection proceedings under the Children and Community Services Act 2004; or
for the purpose of proceedings before the State Administrative Tribunal commenced under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990; or
if the information is personal information — with the consent of the person, or the person’s guardian; or
Penalty: $2 500.
The situations to which this section applies are —
being a member of the Board;
being a member of the personnel of the Commission;
being a person whose services are made use of under section 10, 12A or Part 4A.
[Section 52 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 24; No. 34 of 2004 Sch. 2 cl. 7; No. 55 of 2004 s. 467.]
53. Offence of ill‑treatment
A person who ill‑treats or wilfully neglects a person with disability while that person is under his or her care, supervision or authority commits an offence.
Penalty: $4 000 or imprisonment for 12 months.
[Section 53 amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.]
54. Prosecution of offences
Proceedings for an offence against this Act may be commenced by the chief executive officer or a person authorised in writing to do so by the chief executive officer.
In any proceedings for an offence against this Act the authority of the prosecutor to commence the proceedings is to be presumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary.
[Section 54 amended: No. 59 of 2004 s. 141; No. 84 of 2004 s. 80.]
55. Parliamentary Commissioner may conduct investigation
For the purposes of section 14(4) of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 the right to make a complaint under Part 6 is not to be regarded as a right of appeal, reference or review to or before a tribunal.
56. Regulations
The Governor may make regulations prescribing all matters required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out this Act.
Without limiting subsection (1), regulations may provide for any matter for which rules can be made under the NDIS Act.
[Section 56 amended: No. 10 of 2014 s. 5.]
57A. Regulations may refer to published documents
Regulations made for the purposes of this Act may adopt the text of any published document specified in the regulations —
as that text exists at a particular date; or
as that text may from time to time be amended.
The text may be adopted —
wholly or in part; or
The adoption may be direct (by reference made in the regulations), or indirect (by reference made in any text that is itself directly or indirectly adopted).
The adoption of text is of no effect unless —
the adopted text; and
if text is adopted as it may be amended from time to time, either —
the amendments to the text; or
the text as amended,
can at all reasonable times be inspected or purchased by the public.
[Section 57A inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 6.]
57. Review of Act
The Minister is to carry out a review of the operation and effectiveness of this Act —
not later than 5 years after its commencement; and
not later than 5 years after the tabling of the report on that review and after the tabling of each subsequent report on a review.
The review is to consider whether the policy objectives of the Act remain valid and whether the provisions of the Act are still appropriate for securing those objectives.
[(3), (4) deleted]
The Minister must prepare a report based on each review and shall, as soon as practicable after it is prepared, cause it to be tabled before each House of Parliament.
[Section 57 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 40 of 2012 s. 21.]
[58. Omitted under the Reprints Act 1984 s. 7(4)(f).]
Schedule 1 — Principles applicable to people with disability
[s. 12, 23, 24, 28, 40 and 57]
[Heading inserted: No. 40 of 2012 s. 22.]
1. People with disability are individuals who have the inherent right to respect for their human worth and dignity without discrimination and with equality of opportunity.
2. People with disability, whatever the origin, nature, type or degree of disability, have the same human rights as other members of society and should be enabled to exercise those human rights.
3. People with disability have the same rights as other members of society to realise their individual capacities for physical, social, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual development.
4. People with disability have the same right as other members of society to access services that will support their choices, assist them to be as independent as possible and enable them to participate in all aspects of life.
5. People with disability have the same right as other members of society to participate in, direct and implement the decisions that affect their lives.
6. People with disability have the same right as other members of society to receive services in a manner that respects and protects their rights and opportunities and is the least restrictive option in the circumstances.
7. People with disability have the right to pursue any grievance concerning services.
8. People with disability have the right to access the type of services and supports that they believe are most appropriate to meet their needs.
9. People with disability who reside in country areas have a right, as far as is reasonable to expect, to have access to similar services provided to people with disability who reside in the metropolitan area.
10. People with disability have a right to an environment free from neglect, abuse, violence, intimidation and exploitation.
[Schedule 1 inserted: No. 40 of 2012 s. 22.]
Schedule 2 — Objectives for services and programmes
[s. 12, 24, 28 and 40]
[Heading inserted: No. 40 of 2012 s. 22.]
1. Programmes and services are to focus on achieving positive outcomes for people with disability, such as increased independence, employment opportunities and inclusion and participation within the community.
2. Programmes and services are to contribute to ensuring that the conditions of the every day life of people with disability are the same as norms and patterns which are valued in the general community.
3. Programmes and services are to be integrated with services generally available to members of the community.
4. Programmes and services are to be flexible and responsive to the individual choices and needs of people with disability, their families, carers and significant others.
5. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered so as to be sensitive and responsive to the individual and diverse needs of all people with disability taking into account their age, gender, religion, Aboriginality, cultural or linguistically diverse backgrounds or geographic location.
6. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered to promote awareness of the abilities and contributions of people with disability and foster respect for their rights and dignity.
7. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered so as to promote the participation of people with disability in the life of the local community through physical, social, economic, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual inclusion in that community.
8. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered so as to ensure that no single organisation shall exercise control over all or most aspects of an individual’s life.
9. Service provider organisations, whether disability specific or generic, shall be accountable to those people with disability who use their services, their families and carers, their advocates, the State and the community generally for the provision of information from which the quality of their services can be judged.
10. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered so as to provide opportunities for people with disability to reach goals and enjoy lifestyles that support their choices and are valued by the community.
11. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered so as to ensure that people with disability have access to advocacy support, to enable them to make choices and participate in decisions about the services they receive or are seeking.
12. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered so as to ensure that avenues exist for people with disability to raise, and have resolved, any grievances about services.
13. Programmes and services are to be designed and implemented in an accessible manner.
14. Programmes and services are to be designed and administered so as to respect the rights of people with disability to privacy and confidentiality.
15. Programmes and services are to begin as early as possible so as to prevent the occurrence of, or minimise, disability so people with disability can be as independent as possible and participate in all aspects of life.
16. Programmes and services are to be designed and implemented to —
acknowledge, recognise, respect and respond to the role of families, carers and significant others in supporting people with disability; and
respond to the views and needs of families, carers and significant others; and
strengthen and build the capacity of families, carers and significant others in supporting people with disability.
17. Programmes and services are to provide —
people with disability and their families and carers with opportunities for participating continually in the planning and operation of services they receive; and
opportunities for people with disability, their families and their carers to be consulted about the development of major policy, programme or operational changes.
[Schedule 2 inserted: No. 40 of 2012 s. 22.]
Schedule 3 — Provisions applicable to the Board of the Commission
[s. 7(4)]
[Heading amended: No. 19 of 2010 s. 4.]
1. Tenure of office
A member of the Board —
holds office for such term not exceeding 3 years as is specified in the instrument appointing the member; and
except in the case of the chairperson, is not to hold office for more than 6 years continuously; and
is not to be reappointed unless 3 years have elapsed since —
the end of a 6 year period of holding office continuously or, in the case of a person who has held office for a period greater than 6 years continuously, the end of that period of holding office; or
he or she resigned from office; or
his or her appointment was terminated;
and
may resign from office by notice in writing delivered to the Minister.
The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member —
if, in the opinion of the Minister, the member is unable, through illness or absence from the State, to perform the functions of the office; or
if, in the opinion of the Minister, the member misbehaves, neglects his or her duties or is incompetent; or
if the member is an insolvent under administration, as that expression is defined in the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth; or
if the member is absent, without leave and without reasonable excuse, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Board of which the member has had notice; or
for any other act or omission that in the opinion of the Minister may adversely affect the functioning of the Board.
A member whose term of office expires due to the effluxion of time continues in office until he or she is reappointed or a successor comes into office (as the case may be).
[Clause 1 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 25(1) and (2); No. 10 of 2001 s. 220.]
2. Chairperson
The Minister is to appoint one of the members of the Board to be chairperson and another to be deputy chairperson.
The deputy chairperson is to perform the functions of the chairperson when the chairperson is unable to do so by reason of illness, absence or other cause, or when the office of chairperson is vacant.
3. Meetings
The Board, subject to this Schedule, is to determine the procedure for convening and conducting its meetings.
At a meeting of the Board —
the chairperson, or in his or her absence the deputy chairperson, is to preside; or
in the absence of both those members, a member elected by the members present is to preside.
The Board must keep minutes of its meetings.
4. Remuneration
A member of the Board is entitled to such remuneration and allowances as are determined by the Minister from time to time on the recommendation of the Public Sector Commissioner.
[Clause 4 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 25(3); No. 39 of 2010 s. 89.]
Schedule 4 — Provisions applicable to the Commission’s personnel
[s. 11]
[Heading amended: No. 19 of 2010 s. 4.]
1. Superannuation
If a person was a contributor within the meaning of the Superannuation and Family Benefits Act 1938 1 immediately before being appointed to the personnel of the Commission, the person may continue to be a contributor under that Act after being appointed.
For the purpose of subclause (1) the Commission —
is a department within the meaning of the Superannuation and Family Benefits Act 1938 1; and
is to pay to the Board under that Act payments of the kind described in paragraph (i) of the proviso to the definition of department in section 6 of that Act.
2. Saving of leave entitlements
If a person occupied an office in the Public Service immediately before being appointed to the personnel of the Commission, the person retains existing and accruing entitlements in respect of leave of absence as if service in the personnel of the Commission were a continuation of service in the office in the Public Service.
A person who ceases to be a member of the personnel of the Commission and becomes the holder of an office in the Public Service retains existing and accruing entitlements in respect of leave of absence as if service in the Public Service were a continuation of service in the personnel of the Commission.
Schedule 5 — Provisions applicable to the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability
[s. 22(3)]
[Heading inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 34(1).]
1. Tenure of office
A member of the Council —
holds office for such term not exceeding 2 years as is specified in the instrument appointing the member; and
may be reappointed for a further term but is not to hold office for more than 2 consecutive terms unless subclause (1a) applies; and
may resign from office by notice in writing delivered to the Minister.
Despite subclause (1)(b), a member of the Council may be reappointed for a third consecutive term if the Minister wishes to appoint that member to be the chairperson under clause 2(1).
Despite subclauses (1) and (1a), the deputy chairperson may have his or her appointment extended for up to a year, at the discretion of the Minister.
The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member —
if, in the opinion of the Minister, the member is unable, through illness or absence from the State, to perform the functions of the office; or
if, in the opinion of the Minister, the member misbehaves, neglects his or her duties or is incompetent; or
if the member is an insolvent under administration, as that expression is defined in the Corporations Act 2001 of the Commonwealth; or
if the member is absent, without leave and without reasonable excuse, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Council of which the member has had notice; or
for any other act or omission that in the opinion of the Minister may adversely affect the functioning of the Council.
[Clause 1 amended: No. 10 of 2001 s. 220; No. 57 of 2004 s. 34(2) and (3); No. 40 of 2012 s. 23.]
2. Chairperson
The Minister is to appoint one of the members of the Council to be the chairperson.
The Council is to elect one member to be the deputy chairperson.
The deputy chairperson is to perform the functions of the chairperson when the chairperson is unable to do so by reason of illness, absence or other cause, or when the office of chairperson is vacant.
3. Meetings
The Council, subject to this Schedule, is to determine the procedure for convening and conducting its meetings.
At a meeting of the Council —
the chairperson, or in his or her absence the deputy chairperson, is to preside; or
in the absence of both of those members, a member elected by the members present is to preside.
The Council must keep minutes of its meetings.
4. Remuneration
A member of the Council is entitled to such remuneration and allowances as are determined by the Minister from time to time on the recommendation of the Public Sector Commissioner.
[Clause 4 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 26; No. 39 of 2010 s. 89.]
[Schedule 6 omitted under the Reprints Act 1984 s. 7(4)(e).]
This provision refers to the regulations (the regulations
, prescribed by the regulations
, The regulations may prescribe
). Made under this Act:
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