Information and resources for service providers

The Australian Government is continuing to improve care for people with disability. As part of this, the Government has introduced a Code of Conduct (or the Code). The Code sets a standard of care for disability service providers and workers by setting out how they should act.

The Code applies to all providers and workers delivering disability services that are funded by the Australian Government. Services may include, but are not limited to:

• disability employment services
• disability carer supports
• counselling services
• advocacy services.

To find out if the Code applies to your services, check the full list on the Department of Social Services website.

If you, a family member or someone you care for is receiving Australian Government funded disability support services, you can expect a service that:

1. respects your rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making
2. respects your privacy
3. provides services and supports in a safe and capable manner, with care and skill
4. acts with integrity, honesty and transparency
5. raises issues and acts quickly if there are concerns that may affect the quality and safety of the supports provided to you
6. takes all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, exploitation, neglect and abuse of people with disability, and
7. takes all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.

These requirements are set out in the Code of Conduct. Workers must follow the Code at all times.

You can make a complaint if the disability supports being provided to you, a family member or someone you care for do not meet the Code of Conduct. The first step is to talk to your service provider. If are not happy with their response, you can talk to:

• the Complaints Resolution and Referral Service or
• the Department of Social Services Feedback and Complaints Team.

All complaints are confidential and can be made anonymously. You can find more information about this process on the Department of Social Services website.

The Australian Government remains committed to promoting safe and quality service delivery for Australians with disability.

For more information, please talk to your service provider or visit the Department of Social Services website and search “disability services and inclusion”.