National quality framework for disability services in Australia
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A National Disability Insurance Scheme and National Standards for Disability Services
The National Standards for Disability Services (National Standards) are being revised during a period of significant reform for disability services in Australia. In its 2011 report to the Australian Government, the Productivity Commission found that the current disability system is underfunded, unfair, fragmented and inefficient, and recommended the establishment of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
On 19 August 2011, the Council of Australian Governments decided to progress measures agreed as part of the National Disability Agreement that have also been identified as foundation reforms for a proposed NDIS. This includes development of nationally consistent quality standards for the disability services sector.
In September 2011, the Select Council on Disability Reform (Select Council), comprised of Ministers and Treasurers from each of the states and territories, agreed to build on the work already underway to revise the National Standards. That work started in 2010 with consultations to find out what people thought about the National Standards developed in 1993, and how they should be updated.
Almost 1,300 people participated in these consultations, which were designed and analysed by the Disability Studies and Research Centre, University of New South Wales (DSRC UNSW). The main feedback was that people wanted the standards to be easier to understand, and to better reflect the lives of people with a disability and their expectations of services. This provided clear direction around the kinds of changes needed for the standards.
- Revision of the National Standards - UNSW Consultation Report
- National Quality Framework Working Group Response to the UNSW recommendations
Further information on the National Disability Insurance Scheme is available on the NDIS website.
Draft National Standards for Disability Services endorsed
In October 2011, Synergistiq (formally Success Works) was contracted to develop a set of draft revised National Standards based on the findings of the DSRC UNSW research project. These draft National Standards were endorsed to be used for consultation in February 2012 by the Select Council on Disability Reform. The Council is made up of Ministers from each of the states and territories.
The six draft National Standards are summarised as:
- Rights
- Participation
- Individual Outcomes
- Feedback and Complaints
- Service Access
- Service Management
Consultation on the Draft National Standards is now underway
A validation study is being conducted to confirm that the draft National Standards are a practical tool for improving service quality. A key process underpinning the validation study is national consultation with stakeholders. Consultation will be held from April – June 2012.
Consultation feedback will be used to inform a final set of National Standards. Synergistiq will analyse the consultation feedback and make recommendations for changes, additions or revisions to the draft National Standards. A report on findings and recommendations arising from the validation study will be made available on the National Quality Framework project website by December 2012.
How can I participate?
You can participate in the validation study in the following ways:
Online survey (open 7 May - 15 June 2012)
All stakeholders can provide feedback on the draft National Standards by completing the online survey. The survey aims to capture individual perceptions and reflections on the draft National Standards.
Synergistiq is running the online survey. Take part in the survey now by selecting the following link:
- Online survey - draft National Standards for Disability Services (external link, opens in a new window)
Note: A hard-copy version of the survey can be made available for people to complete if they prefer. Please contact NSDS@synergistiq.com to request a copy.
Written submissions (opens 7 May - 15 June 2012)
This method is particularly recommended for organisations, networks or community groups who wish to provide feedback on the draft National Standards.
Prepare a written submission now by downloading the guiding questions that have been developed to assist you to respond:
- Download the guide for how to make a written submission (opens the Draft National Standards for Disability Services webpage)
Facilitated workshops and focus groups (20 April - 15 June 2012)
Synergistiq will facilitate 25 focus groups and workshops across Australia. The aim of the groups and workshops is to seek input on the draft National Standards from people with disability, their families and carers, service providers, advocacy groups, and evaluation, audit and certification bodies. Specific focus groups will also be conducted with people with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.
Jurisdictions will manage a targeted invitation process for the face-to-face consultation. This will ensure a representative section of ideas and views about the draft National Standards are gathered. Individuals or organisations wishing to provide feedback on the draft National Standards are encouraged to complete either the online survey or a written submission.
National Quality Framework Working Group Chair contact
| Chair | National Quality Framework Working Group |
Kathleen Forrester | kathleen.forrester@dhs.vic.gov.au | (03) 9096 0084 |
Jurisdiction contacts
| Jurisdiction | Government Department | Contact |
Email |
Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Government | Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs | Anthony Bartolo | Anthony.Bartolo@fahcsia.gov.au | (07) 3004 4601 |
| Australian Capital Territory | Community Services Directorate | Heather McKeon | Heather.McKeon@act.gov.au |
(02) 6207 1061 |
| New South Wales | Human Services | Karen Turvey or Denise Henry |
Karen.Turvey@dhs.nsw.gov.au Denise.Henry@dhs.nsw.gov.au |
(02) 8270 2194 (02) 8270 2477 |
| Northern Territory | Health | Elspeth Crosby | Elspeth.Crosby@nt.gov.au | (08) 8999 2407 |
| Queensland |
Communities, Disabilty Services | Helen Lawrance |
Helen.Lawrance@communities.qld.gov.au |
(07) 3836 2488 |
| South Australia | Communities & Social Inclusion | Helen Ottaway | Helen.Ottaway@dfc.sa.gov.au | (08) 8207 0604 |
| Tasmania | Human Services | Ingrid Ganley | Ingrid.Ganley@dhhs.tas.gov.au |
(03) 6233 4054 |
| Western Australia | Disabilty Services Commission | Louise Cefalo | Louise.Cefalo@dsc.wa.gov.au | (08) 9426 9634 |
| Victoria | Department of Human Services | Tanya Seath | tanya.seath@dhs.vic.gov.au | (03) 9096 5292 |
- Background on the revision of National Standards for Disability Services in Australia
- Development of the Revised National Standards for Disability Services
- National Quality Framework - frequently asked questions
- National Quality Framework - project governance
- National Standards for Disability Services (1993)
- Revision of National Standards for Disability Services - Consultation outcomes
Contact information
Telephone: 1300 366 731
TTY users
Telephone: (03) 13 3677 then ask for 1300 650 172
Speak and listen users
Telephone: 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 650 172
(Mon – Fri 8.30am–5.00pm)
Email: NQF@dhs.vic.gov.au
Post: C/o Department of Human Services
Disability Services Division
Level 8, 50 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
