DSS Bill – Summary of changes from Select Committee report-back
On Thursday 13 August 2026, the Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston announced that the Disability Support Services Bill has reached its next stage in Parliament. This follows public submissions and review by the Social Services and Community Select Committee.
More than 3,000 people shared their views on the Bill, including disabled people, families, carers, advocates, providers and organisations.
The Select Committee reported back to Parliament and recommended the Bill move forward. It also recommended some changes to the Bill in response to the feedback it heard.
The key changes will:
- clarify the role of families
- include people-centred principles to underpin decision making
- add a requirement to consult before changes are made to support programmes
A summary of the changes from the Select Committee report back is on the DSS website.
Next steps
The Bill will continue through the parliamentary process, which includes a second and third reading in Parliament later in August.
If Parliament passes the Bill, it will put into law the purpose of DSS funding, the principles for decisions, and the process for future changes including consultation.
More information
You will find more detailed information on the changes in the Minister’s announcement and on the Parliament website:
Information about the Bill’s progress through Parliament Disability Support Services Bill
DSS website: Disability Support Services Bill | Disability Support Services (including alternate formats)