Disability Support Services Bill reported back by Select Committee

The Social Services and Community Select Committee has released its report on the Disability Support Services Bill. This follows the Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston announcing that the Government would introduce the Bill in May.

Since then, more than 3,300 people, including disabled people, families, carers, advocates, providers and organisations, shared their views on the Bill via written submission. The Select Committee heard 143 submitters, at hearings in Wellington and via videoconference.

The Cerebral Palsy Society was among those that submitted on the Bill, and I was proud to present an oral submission at Parliament on our members’ behalf.

The Select Committee reported back to Parliament yesterday and recommended that the Bill move forward with changes. 

While the CP Society still has some concerns with the Bill, there are some positive changes recommended. These include:

• A major positive is the change to the “family first” approach. Previously, the Bill took a “family first” or, as the CP Society submitted, a “family substitution” approach, where family resources were relied on before DSS funding would be provided. The Select Committee has recommended major changes to the Bill to remove the family first approach and consider factors such as the person with a disability’s choices and preferences, safety and dignity, circumstances, and any support from family.
• Consultation with disability organisations on new funding programmes is also included.
• Confirmation from Labour and Green parties that they oppose and would withdraw the Bill if they become part of the Government.

There remain some concerns with the Bill, including:

• Consultation may not result in appropriate changes to any new funding programmes, and co-design with the disability community and organisations such as the CP Society would be a better process.
• Means and asset testing remains in the Bill. The Minister has taken the position that the Bill is not intended to substantially change the current system, so the question becomes whether this part of the Bill will be used to extend means testing beyond the few areas where it currently applies (eg house and vehicle modifications).
• There are no specific appeal rights on funding programmes.

Overall, the CP Society’s submission and advocacy have had positive results. Once again, I thank members for providing their feedback and lived experiences. This provided the foundation and a strong evidential base for our advocacy efforts.

Next steps  

The Government has advised that the Bill will not change any existing eligibility for DSS support, or change the processes for accessing DSS support and funding. It will apply to any new government-funded disability support programmes and services.

The Bill will continue through the parliamentary process, which includes a second and third reading in Parliament later this month. Further changes could be made through this process.

If Parliament passes the Bill, the next step would be new funding programmes and consultation. 

The CP Society will monitor the progress of the Bill, and any new funding programmes. You have our assurance that we will do our best to be involved in any consultation for new funding programmes so we can advocate your interests.

More information

• CCS Disability Action – Disability Support Services Select Committee recommendations: our response
• The final report of the Social Services and Community Committee
• Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston’s announcement
• The Bill’s progress through Parliament
• DSS website – information about the Disability Support Services Bill (includes alternate formats).

Ngā mihi,

Daniel Clay
Chairman
Executive Committee
Cerebral Palsy Society