Disability Council NSW

6.1 What the Disability Council does

The Disability Council NSW is the peak body that represents people with disability in NSW. The council gives the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services independent advice. It started under the Community Welfare Act 1987 and now operates under the Act in section 15.⁴

Under the Act, the Disability Council is responsible for:

• monitoring the implementation of government policy in relation to people with disability and their families
• advising the Minister on emerging issues relating to people with disability
• promoting the inclusion of people with disability in the community
• promoting community awareness of matters concerning the interests of people with disability and their families
• consulting with people with disability, other peak bodies, and undertaking research about matters relating to people with disability
• advising public authorities and the Minister about content and implementation of DIAPs
• requesting information or advice from any public authority in order to exercise its functions
• reporting to the Minister about the exercise of its functions, including any information requested by the Minister.

Questions 9, 10 and 11 are asking about the Disability Council NSW.  What should the Council be focused on and who should be a member of the Council.

Question 9:

Do the functions of the Disability Council remain appropriate? Are there any additional functions that should apply to the Council to make it more effective or accessible?

Question 10:

What impact, if any, has the roll out of the NDIS in NSW had on the work of the Disability Council? Should their role be refocussed, and if so how?

⁴ Section 15 of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

⁵ Sections 17 and 19 of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

6.2 Who is part of the Disability Council?

The Disability Council must consist of between eight and 12 members. The majority of the council must be made up of people with disability. The chairperson must be a person with disability, and have suitable qualifications and experience.

Members hold their role for a maximum of four years. The chairperson and deputy chairperson hold their executive positions for one year. All can be reappointed. Members must be appointed (and removed) by the Governor. ⁶ This is based on the recommendation of the Minister of Families, Communities and Disability Services. The chairperson and deputy chairperson (if they are existing members) are appointed by the Minister.⁷

Question 11:

Do the provisions relating to membership of the Disability Council NSW remain appropriate? If not, what should the membership consist of?

⁶Section 16(1) and Schedule 1, clause 4(2) of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

⁷ Clause 14 of the Disability Inclusion Regulation 2014 (NSW).