VIC — THE State
Government has been accused of rushing laws through
Parliament that could make it harder for the disabled to
access services.
As part of the first major review
of Victoria's disability laws in 20 years, an independent
Disabilities Services Commissioner will be established to
review and conciliate complaints and monitor services.
New court orders will also be used for intellectually
disabled people who pose a risk to the
community.
But disability groups have raised
concerns that flaws in the legislation could make it
harder to access services. They say it could also
inappropriately shift responsibilities from government to
non-profit service providers.
"If it goes through unchanged
people with intellectual disabilities and their families
… will have to go it alone and try to determine what
support they need and who to get it from," said Sue
Jackson, chief executive of the Council of Intellectual
Disability Agencies.
Opposition community services
spokeswoman Helen Shardey said she wanted the bill
adjourned for two months.
But Government spokeswoman Claire
Miller said there had already been extensive
consultation. The bill will be debated in Parliament this
week, and changes are expected to come into effect next
year.
