Have Your Say On The Disability Support Services Bill

by · SCOOP

The Disability Support Services Bill proposes a new legislative framework for disability support services (DSS).

In overview, the objectives of the bill are to:

  • Set out the purpose of DSS and provide an authorising framework for DSS system policy settings and funding, that:

    • Aims to improve consistency, fairness and transparency of decision making.
    • Clarifies that responsibility for the care of disabled people rests with family and whānau where appropriate.
  • Clarify existing employment relationships within the DSS system if a disabled person employs a carer.
  • Respond to the Crown’s fiscal and litigation risk following the Supreme Court judgment regarding paid family care in Fleming v Attorney-General [2025].

The bill says that this is the first phase of providing a legislative framework for DSS and, a further phase is planned and will address safeguarding, information gathering, appeals and complaints processes.

Tell the Social Services and Community Committee what you think

Make a submission on the bill by 1.00pm on Friday, 12 June 2026.

For more details about the bill:

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