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Register of disability service providers

The Register of Disability Service Providers is described in sections 40-48 of the Disability Act 2006. It identifies the community service organisations that are required to comply with the conditions and provisions of the Disability Act 2006. As such, the register is central in ensuring that the objectives of the Act are achieved.

The Register of Disability Service Providers is a list of community service organisations that the Department of Human Services funds to provide disability services to persons with a disability.

The Secretary to the Department of Human Services is required to keep the register and make a list of disability service providers available to the public. The details required to be kept for the register are the name, address and contact details of disability service providers.

•  Register of Disability Service Providers (Word 89.0 kb)

The Register of Disability Service Providers under the Disability Act 2006 is a separate register, and is kept for separate purposes, to the register(s) of authorised program officers kept by the Senior Practitioner and referred to in sections 139(3) and 190(3) of the Act.

Registration requirements

Any person who applies to the Department of Human Services for funding to provide disability services may be required to apply for registration as a disability service provider. In most cases, this will be stipulated as a condition of funding in the department's documentation when service providers are sought for particular services, with the funding and accountability mechanism the department's standard service agreement.

Applying for registration as a disability support provider

The Application for Registration as a Disability Service Provider (Word 62KB) should be completed and submitted to the relevant Department of Human Services regional office. You will be required to provide evidence that you satisfy the criteria for registration.

The criteria for registration are that:

• The applicant can provide a service for persons with a disability. Disability services funded by the Department of Human Services are described in the Disability Services Division Policy & Funding Plan 2006-09. This includes mandatory program guidelines, standards, monitoring and accountability conditions, etc.
• The service can be provided in compliance with the requirements of the Act.

Renewing your registration

The Application for Renewal of Registration as a Disability Service Provider (Word 62KB) should be completed and submitted to the relevant Department of Human Services Regional office.

Changing the information recorded on the register about your organisation

Disability Service Providers must advise the department of any changes to the details kept on the register within 14 days of a change occurring. Use the Change of Information Recorded on the Register of Disability Service Providers (Word 63KB) form to do this. Registered disability service providers may also contact their local Department of Human Services Regional office if details kept on the register need to be changed.

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Registered disability service providers

A disability service is defined by the Disability Services Act 2006 as 'a service that is provided specifically for the support of persons with a disability by a disability service provider'. The Department of Human Services provides funding to community service organisations through the Disability Services program for a range of purpose and activities that are considered disability services within the meaning of the Act, and others that are not.

Activities - as described within the Disability Services Division Policy & Funding Plan 2006-09 - that are not considered specifically for the support of persons with a disability are:

• Aids & Equipment
• Building Inclusive Communities
• Information Services
• Training & Development
• Sector Development & Innovation

Activities considered specifically for the support of persons with a disability are: 

• Behaviour Intervention Services
• Case Management
• Criminal Justice Services
• Day Services
• Flexible Support Packages
• Futures for Young Adults
• Independent Living Training
• Individualised Support Packages
• Outreach Support  
• Recreation
• Respite
• Shared Supported Accommodation
• Therapy

Policy of registration of disability services providers

The Policy on Registration of Disability Services Providers outlines the application of sections 40-48 of the Disability Act 2006, including application, renewal and revocation of registration of community service organisations funded by the Secretary, Department of Human Services to provide disability services.

This registration policy is being reviewed and will be updated shortly.

Period of registration

Registration is for a period of three years, and may be for a longer period if circumstances require it.

Registration of a disability service provider may be revoked if the Department of Human Services considers it appropriate to do so. Revocation acts to cease the registration of a disability service provider prior to its expiry. Revocation may occur for any circumstances considered relevant, however some circumstances where revocation may be appropriate are described in section 43 of the Act:

• Funding to the disability service provider has ceased
• The contract with the disability service provider for the provision of disability services has been terminated
• The disability service provider has failed to comply with requirements under this Act.

Registration of a disability service provider must be revoked if the disability service provider has ceased to provide disability services.

A notice will be provided to the disability service provider in each case and, except where disability services have ceased, a disability service provider whose registration is to be revoked may make a submission to the Department about the circumstances. Ultimately, the Act provides for appeal to the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for review of the decision if the disability service provider is still unsatisfied as to the decision following review.

For further information please see the Disability Act Policy and Information Manual.