Post by Banker on Apr 4, 2012 14:30:29 GMT 7
South Australia's disability laws are archaic and flailing and need changing to ensure the rights of the disabled are enshrined in law, an independent MP says.
Dignity for Disability upper house MP Kelly Vincent will introduce legislation in state parliament on Wednesday to overhaul the state's Disability Services Act.
Her bill will create a disability services commissioner to oversee the provision of disability support, establish a community visitors' program to uphold standards in supported accommodation and appoint a senior practitioner to regulate and minimise the use of chemical, mechanical and physical restraints on people with disabilities.
"The models I have written into this legislation are tried and tested interstate and overseas," Ms Vincent said.
"I am trying to bring South Australia's chaotic and unfair disability services system up to speed with the rest of the country."
Ms Vincent said the state government was considering similar legislation but had elected to do more consultation before bringing a bill before parliament.
But she said the disabled could not wait any longer for the changes and further consultation was nothing more than a stalling tactic.
"I have listened to my constituency," Ms Vincent said.
"They say they are sick of waiting for action and that something needs to be done to improve their lives now."
news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8446551
Dignity for Disability upper house MP Kelly Vincent will introduce legislation in state parliament on Wednesday to overhaul the state's Disability Services Act.
Her bill will create a disability services commissioner to oversee the provision of disability support, establish a community visitors' program to uphold standards in supported accommodation and appoint a senior practitioner to regulate and minimise the use of chemical, mechanical and physical restraints on people with disabilities.
"The models I have written into this legislation are tried and tested interstate and overseas," Ms Vincent said.
"I am trying to bring South Australia's chaotic and unfair disability services system up to speed with the rest of the country."
Ms Vincent said the state government was considering similar legislation but had elected to do more consultation before bringing a bill before parliament.
But she said the disabled could not wait any longer for the changes and further consultation was nothing more than a stalling tactic.
"I have listened to my constituency," Ms Vincent said.
"They say they are sick of waiting for action and that something needs to be done to improve their lives now."
news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8446551
