New Victorian Disability Act protects rights, improves services
The new Disability Act 2006 provides Victorians with a disability new legislative clout to ensure they are treated fairly and equally, Community Services Minister Gavin Jennings has said while announcing the appointment of Dr Rhonda Galbally AO as chair of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC), established under the new Act.
“The new Disability Act, which came into effect on 1 July is a milestone for Victorians with a disability, their families, carers and support services,” Mr Jennings said.
“The new Act is focused on individuals and their place in the community. It recognises that people with a disability have the right to enjoy the same civil, cultural, economic, political and social opportunities as all others in our community.
“It provides Victorians with a disability access to independent systems for handling complaints, enshrines greater rights and requires better accountability and transparency of service providers. For the first time, it also includes a capacity to review some decisions affecting people’s lives.”
Mr Jennings said a key component of the Disability Act was the creation of a Disability Services Commissioner, an independent body with powers to investigate and conciliate complaints.
