The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering on a key election commitment with applications now open for the State's first Interim Disability Commissioner.
Tasmanians living with disability have expressed a need for a Disability Commissioner and we are establishing this crucial role as part of the review of the Tasmanian Disability Services Act 2011.
Today, the recruitment process for an Interim Disability Commissioner has begun.
This appointment will ensure the important work of this role can get underway as soon as possible.
The Interim Disability Commissioner will:
- Lead and drive the establishment of the Disability Commissioner role, including consultation and engagement with stakeholders;
- Provide leadership, foster inclusion, and promote accessibility across Government and mainstream services;
- Promote the rights of people with disability;
- 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 Complaints Commissioner
- Establish and monitor safeguarding mechanisms that address violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability; and
- Respond to allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
This work will occur while we continue to develop the legislative framework to act as an independent Statutory Authority.
Once established, the Disability Commissioner will provide a voice for all people with disability in Tasmania about matters that are important to them and will have a broad remit with a focus on inclusion, advocacy and rights.
Last year, our Government committed $1.2 million over four years to establish the office of the Disability Commissioner and the 2022-23 Budget included an additional $400,000 over four years, taking the total investment to $1.6 million.
Until legislation is passed, the Interim Commissioner will have the powers of an Authorised Officer as described in the Tasmanian Disability Services Act 2011.
Our Government is committed to ensuring Tasmanians with disability have the same right of access to services as all Tasmanians and to ensure we meet our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Australian Disability Strategy 2021-2031.
The Statement of Duties is now available on www.jobs.tas.gov.au, with applications closing on Sunday 9 October.
