Page 5613 - Week 17 - Thursday, 5 December 1991
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principles and objectives as set out in the Commonwealth Disability Services Act 1986. All States and Territories are to introduce their own legislation to complement this Commonwealth Act.
The Bill I have introduced today does indeed mirror the principles and objectives of the Commonwealth legislation. It thereby serves to endorse and protect the rights of people with disabilities to dignity, autonomy and self-determination. The principles and requirements of this Bill are set out in schedules 1 and 2. Schedule 1 is a statement about the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities.
Schedule 2 sets out the requirements to be complied with in relation to the design, implementation and funding of programs and services for people with disabilities. These requirements provide a framework for the appropriateness of a government or service provider to intervene or act on behalf of a person with a disability, and how such intervention should occur.
Broad community consultation will ensure that consumer groups, service providers, other community organisations and individuals in the ACT have had the opportunity to comment on the purpose, requirements and contents of this legislation.
One of the key features of the legislation is the definition of "disability". Under the legislation, disability in respect of a person means disability deriving from an intellectual, psychiatric, sensory or physical impairment or combination of these; where disability is permanent or likely to be permanent; and may or may not be of a chronic episodic nature; and where disability results in a substantial incapacity for communication, learning or mobility and the need for continuing support services.
Organisations and bodies eligible for financial assistance are also defined. The types of organisations which will be eligible for financial assistance under the Act will be broadly similar to those eligible under the Commonwealth Disability Services Act. The principles and requirements provide parameters for determining the eligibility of potential service providers. The legislation allows for direct funding to people with disabilities, as well as funding to community-based providers of services. Funded organisations which do not at this time meet the principles and requirements of the legislation will be allowed three years to undergo the appropriate changes to conform to the principles and requirements and thus be eligible for future ongoing funding. They will continue to receive support during the transition period.
I am committed to ensuring that the Government's own major service provider, Intellectual Disability Services (IDS) within the Housing and Community Services Bureau, upholds the principles and requirements of the legislation as it
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