Background to the legislation

Queensland transitioned to the NDIS over three years from July 2016 to June 2019. During transition, the former Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors retained a critical role in providing leadership in disability services and programs for people with a disability and their families and carers.

On 1 July 2019, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) commenced operation in Queensland and is responsible to improve the quality and safety of NDIS services and supports, investigate and resolve problems, and strengthen the skills and knowledge of providers and participants.

The Queensland Government continues to provide robust state screening for State delivered or funded disability services, authorising the use of restrictive practices and operating a community visitor function.

The Disability Services Act 2006 (DSA), and other key pieces of legislation, have been amended to support the commencement of the operation of the NDIS Commission from 1 July 2019, and reflect the changing role of the Queensland Government.

Some disability services will continue to be funded or delivered by the department while most will be provided by NDIS registered providers.

The DSA continues to provide a framework for delivering disability services and meeting community expectations of quality and safeguards, outside of the NDIS.