The Victorian Government's Plan to Abolish Specialist Disability Regulators: A Cause for Concern

Concerns Over the Proposed Merger of Disability Regulators

The Health Services Union has condemned the Victorian Government's plan to abolish specialist disability regulators. This plan involves merging them into a single super-regulator. The union warns that this move will leave vulnerable people with disabilities exposed to exploitation and abuse.

Legislation currently before the Legislative Council would eliminate the Disability Services Commissioner, the Victorian Disability Worker Commission, and the Disability Worker Registration Board. These entities would be rolled into the already overstretched Social Services Regulator (SSR).

HSU National Secretary Lloyd Williams expressed grave concerns about the government's actions. He stated that the government is dismantling critical safeguards at a time when stronger oversight is clearly needed.

"Recent reports have exposed shocking cases in the disability sector," Mr. Williams said. "Yet the government's response is to weaken the very regulators designed to prevent this abuse."

The Risks of a Super-Regulator

The SSR has already demonstrated its limitations. There have been instances where exploitation was detected, but the SSR claimed it was "outside the scope" of its authority. Given this context, the question arises: why would the government assign even more responsibility to an already failing regulator?

"People with disabilities deserve specialist regulators who understand their unique vulnerabilities," Mr. Williams emphasized. "They require focused oversight. Diluting this into a generic super-regulator overseeing everything from childcare to homelessness services is a recipe for disaster."

The proposed merger contradicts recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission. The Commission called for a specialist 'one-stop-shop' complaint reporting body specifically for people with disabilities. This recommendation highlights the need for tailored support and oversight in the disability sector.

Trust and Accessibility

Advocacy groups have raised alarms about the potential impact on trust. People with disabilities who have built relationships with existing specialist regulators may hesitate to reach out to a monolithic organisation in times of crisis. This concern underscores the importance of maintaining accessible and knowledgeable regulatory bodies.

Mr. Williams pointed out that the government has attempted to push these changes through by including them in child protection legislation. "Any suggestion that voting against this package means voting against child safety is dishonest and cynical," he stated.

"You can support strong child protection measures without gutting disability safeguards. These are not mutually exclusive."

The Call for Stronger Oversight

If the government genuinely cares about safety, it should focus on strengthening specialist oversight rather than abolishing it. The HSU is calling on the Legislative Council to reject the merger and instead mandate the Disability Worker Registration Scheme (DWRS).

"Rather than scrapping watchdogs, the government should be mandating the worker registration scheme to ensure proper registration and oversight," Mr. Williams argued. "This government claims to care about vulnerable Victorians, but these changes show it's more interested in administrative convenience than genuine protection."

The union stands in solidarity with HACSU [HSU Victorian No. 2 Branch] members and disability advocacy groups in opposing this dangerous retreat from specialist safeguards.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The proposed merger of disability regulators raises significant concerns about the safety and well-being of people with disabilities. The need for specialized oversight has never been more critical. As the community navigates these changes, it is essential to advocate for the rights and protections that ensure a fairer society for all.

In light of these developments, it is crucial to engage in discussions about the future of disability regulation in Victoria. The voices of those affected must be heard, and their needs prioritized. By fostering community and raising awareness, a more inclusive understanding of disability can be achieved.

In summary, the potential consequences of merging disability regulators cannot be understated. The community must remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Together, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.