Knowing Your Rights
In Australia, there are laws that help people with disabilities and their caregivers to have equal rights and opportunities. These laws are made by the government at the national, state and territory level. One of the national laws is The Commonwealth Disability Services Act 1986.
Government funding is allocated to each State for provision of services to people with disabilities.
State Legislation
Each state in Australia has its own government. These governments have their own laws that apply to their agencies. The rules about who can get help and what kind of help is available might vary a little bit depending on which state you’re in.
Australian Capital Territory
Disability Services Act 1991 (ACT)
New South Wales
NSW Disability Services Act (DSA) (1993)
Northern Territory
Northern Territory Disability Services Act 1993
Queensland
Disability Services Act 2006 (reprinted 1 July 2012)
South Australia
Disability Services Act 1993
Tasmania
Tasmanian Disability Services Act 1992
Victoria
Disability Act 2006
Western Australia
Disability Services Act 1993 (WA)
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)
A brief guide to the DDA can be accessed on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
Financial Support
The Australian Government provides the following benefits through Centrelink (eligibility applies):
* Disability Support Pension
* Mobility Allowance
* Age Pension
* Child Disability Assistance Payment (annual payment)
* Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, or Carer Supplement
* People with disabilities may also be eligible to other concessions.
Contact Centrelink and Services Australia for further information.
