Jo Palmer,Minister for Disability Services
The Tasmanian Liberal Government delivers on its commitments for all Tasmanians and that is why we are establishing a Tasmanian Disability Commissioner.
Tasmanians living with disability have expressed a need for a Disability Commissioner and we are establishing this crucial role alongside the review of the Tasmanian Disability Services Act 2011.
Last year, our Government committed $1.2 million over four years to establish this position and, over the past 12 months, extensive consultation has been conducted about what the roles and responsibilities of the Disability Commissioner will be.
It is envisioned the Commissioner will act as an independent oversight body, provide leadership across the community to support inclusion, and promote the rights and safety of people with disability.
The 2022-23 Budget is strengthening the future for all Tasmanians and that is why it included an additional $400,000 over four years to establish the office of the Disability Commissioner, taking the total investment to $1.6 million.
In coming weeks, we will begin recruitment for an Interim Disability Commissioner while work to develop the legislative framework for this important role continues.
The Interim Commissioner will activate the role by making referrals, taking complaints, and scoping out the roles and responsibilities of this important position.
It will also consider the role within the context of the NDIS and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and other existing positions such as the Ombudsman and the Health Commissioner.
This is a Government with integrity and heart, one that is courageous, accountable and delivers on its commitments.
