Establishing an office of disability: Discussion paper …€¦ · Web viewThis is an accessible...

Establishing an office of disability:Discussion paper for community engagementPotential roles and functions of the office

July 2020

AccessibilityThis is an accessible Word version of the discussion paper which aims to be more inclusive and support people using assistive technologies like screen readers. For more information and other formats, including Easy English, please visit An office of disability on Communities’ website. If you have any issues accessing this information or would like it in another language, please email disability @communities.wa.gov.au

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/officeofdisability

Establishing an office of disability: Discussion paper for community engagement

Message from the Director General, Michelle Andrews Together with the Minister for Disability Services, the Honourable Stephen Dawson MLC, I am committed to establishing an office of disability within the Department of Communities (Communities). The office will aim to provide strategic disability leadership and expertise across Communities, the Western Australian (WA) Government and the disability sector. It is proposed that the office be led by an experienced leader in the disability field and will include people with disability, those with lived experience and Aboriginal people. The office will drive contemporary practice and provide a leading voice on disability issues, both within Communities and across the sector.

The office provides an opportunity to build upon strengths and embed evidence-based continuous improvement to ensure that the WA community is inclusive and accessible, and that the wellbeing of Western Australians with disability is improved.

The project is a priority for Communities’ Agency Capability Program, increasing our outward focus, strengthening our people and enhancing our systems and processes, and using different ways of working to build the agency’s partnership approach, cultural competency and integrity.

The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic) is, and will continue to be, a driver of change impacting Communities and the establishment of the office. COVID-19 is unlike any other crisis before it, causing a global disruption and a shift in the way we lead our lives. People with disability, particularly Aboriginal people with disability, have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic due to increased risk of infection and barriers to accessing essential services and supports.

The office will leverage the response to the pandemic and champion recovery efforts to support people with disability, families, carers and the broader disability sector. The office will promote the collaborative and partnership approach demonstrated through the pandemic crisis and, in partnership with people with disability and the sector, explore new and innovative ways of working together to promote social and economic participation during COVID-19 recovery.

To inform the establishment of the office of disability, you are invited to provide feedback on what you think the functions and role of an office of disability should be. This discussion paper provides you with more information about the guiding principles underpinning the establishment of the office and the underlying drivers of change. Your feedback will be used to inform the development of a functional model on which an office will be established.

Page 1 – July 2020


This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the work of Communities in improving the lives of people with disability, their families and carers in Western Australia and I look forward to your input.

Michelle Andrews Director General, Department of Communities



ContentsMessage from the Director General, Michelle Andrews..................................................

In brief.................................................................................................................................Why we need to establish an office of disability...................................................................

Invitation to comment........................................................................................................What is being discussed?.....................................................................................................How will your feedback be used?.........................................................................................How can you get involved?...................................................................................................Accessibility..........................................................................................................................

Guiding principles of an office of disability.....................................................................Human rights........................................................................................................................Cultural safety......................................................................................................................Building on our strengths......................................................................................................Acknowledging and maximising return on investment..........................................................Underpinned by integrity.......................................................................................................Guided by partners.............................................................................................................Leadership..........................................................................................................................Flexible and responsive......................................................................................................

Underlying drivers of change..........................................................................................Focus on people with disability...........................................................................................NDIS rollout in WA..............................................................................................................Integration into Communities..............................................................................................Royal Commission..............................................................................................................National and State Disability Strategy................................................................................COVID-19 pandemic..........................................................................................................

Focus on people with disability......................................................................................

NDIS rollout.......................................................................................................................Transition in focus..............................................................................................................Disability sector..................................................................................................................

Integration of Disability Services into Communities.....................................................Agency Capability Program (ACP).....................................................................................Functional Review..............................................................................................................

Royal Commission...........................................................................................................Implications for the Department of Communities................................................................

National and State disability strategies..........................................................................



Implementation considerations......................................................................................Office of disability functions................................................................................................Leadership..........................................................................................................................Analysis of existing positions and resources.....................................................................Systems and technology....................................................................................................Process and tools...............................................................................................................Where to from here?...........................................................................................................



In brief

Why we need to establish an office of disabilityThe Western Australian (WA) disability landscape is changing rapidly and there is a need for the State Government to adapt and evolve its role to meet this emerging environment so that it can continue its proud history of fostering positive outcomes for the 411,500 people living with disability in the State.

The WA Government continues to invest a significant amount into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and it is important that we continue to advocate for people with disability and the broader disability sector to ensure the scheme delivers on its commitments.

The proposed office of disability’s intent is to coordinate and advance strategic disability reforms to maximise the benefit for people with disability, families, carers, the disability sector and the WA Government.

The office will provide strategic leadership and expertise to ensure the needs of people with disability are central to the work of the Department of Communities (Communities), WA Government, the disability sector and the community. It will drive contemporary practices, enhance skills and capability, and strengthen expertise at senior leadership levels.

Direct services for people with disability will be delivered by the Community Services division within Communities. The office will complement and support their work.

The office of disability will be led by an experienced leader in the disability field and it will include people with disability, those with lived experience and Aboriginal people.

The establishment of an office of disability provides an opportunity for Communities to steward the sector to apply best practice, embrace culturally appropriate services and embed sector-wide continuous improvement to ensure the WA community is inclusive and accessible, and that the wellbeing of Western Australians with disability is improved.

The office will look at what has been done, what is currently being done and what could complement existing work. This will be achieved by undertaking a market stewardship role to partner with people with disability and providers to advocate for and facilitate market conditions that are tailored and optimised for the WA environment. The office will support WA disability service providers to continue to adapt their business and service delivery models to meet the requirements of the NDIS.



The office will lead Communities’ efforts in supporting the transition to full scheme NDIS and it will support Communities’ direct services to deliver high quality, person-centred, evidence-based disability supports. The office will also provide robust oversight of quality and safeguards until the transition to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1 December 2020.

Communities will draw on the strengths of the Disability Services Commission (DSC), plus embed the experience and expertise of people with disability, our staff, community partners and disability providers as it consults on the office’s name, role, functions and ways of engaging.

This discussion paper aims to empower you with background, drivers and current thinking around establishing the office of disability. Your ideas and comments about the functions, role and ways of engaging of the office are invaluable. We look forward to your considered feedback.1

Did you know? 16 per cent of people in WA have a disability1.

95 per cent of people with a disability live at home or in the community2.

1 ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers: Summary of Findings 20182 People with disability in Australia report summary, Australian Government: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website


https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/summary


Invitation to comment

What is being discussed?Communities is committed to establishing an office of disability. The office aims to provide strategic leadership, advice and advocacy to influence, transform and enable government, service providers and the community to create a more inclusive and equitable society where people with disability can exercise their rights as members of the WA community.

To inform this work, you are invited to provide feedback on what you consider the name, functions and role of the office should be. Questions are distributed throughout this discussion paper to prompt your thinking. You may wish to use the feedback form to respond to these questions.

How will your feedback be used?Your feedback will help Communities deliver better outcomes for people with disability, their families and carers by enabling the office to drive consistent, contemporary and culturally appropriate practices –that meet their expectations and that of the community and sector.

All feedback received will be treated as confidential. However, it may be disclosed in accordance with requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA), or any other applicable written law.

Did you know? As of 31 May 2020, 17,831 people transitioned across to the NDIS. The number of organisations registered to provide disability services in WA

increased 174 per cent from 242 in 2017 to 663 as of June 2020.

How can you get involved?Feedback on the functions and role of the office as outlined in this discussion paper must be provided by 6 September 2020.

via email: [email protected]

or by post to:

5 Newman Court Fremantle, WA 6160

Locked bag 5000



https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/wa-have-your-say/an-office-of-disability/resources/


Community engagement sessions will also be offered to examine and inform the functions and role of the office. More information about these sessions will be provided on An office of disability ( http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/officeofdisability ) Communities’ website and by request via email: [email protected]

AccessibilityThis discussion paper is available in accessible Word and easy English formats. Hard copies can be provided upon request. Please visit An office of disability on our website for the feedback form and information sheets. If you have any issues accessing the information or would like it in another language, please email: [email protected]

Providing feedbackPlease keep in mind the following when preparing your feedback:

Keep your comments clear and concise, using dot points wherever possible You may wish to use the feedback template to respond to the questions

outlined in the consultation paper Attach any additional information and provide details of the source.








Guiding principles of an office of disability

Human rightsRespects and promotes people with disability’s inherent dignity, individual autonomy and full and effective right to participate in society and be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Cultural safetyUncompromising commitment to demonstrate cultural respect, safety and understanding through its work, with a focus on Aboriginal people and culturally and linguistically diverse people with disability and their communities.

An inclusive and respectful approach will be adopted to ensure diverse views are considered in the establishment of the office. This includes applying a cultural lens through meaningful engagement to ensure the outcomes of the office are appropriate for, and meet the needs of, all people with disability, their families and carers.

Building on our strengths Opportunity to build on and strengthen the work currently undertaken by Communities, particularly Community Services and DSC. It is an opportunity to reflect on areas of strength and opportunities of development.

Acknowledging and maximising return on investmentThe long-term outcomes of the office will not be achieved through establishment alone, but instead by exploring new ways of working and building capability and capacity.

The establishment of the office is a stepping-stone to achieving positive outcomes and it will be the responsibility of leaders and staff within the office to drive and embed functional and cultural changes, and new ways of working in order to achieve these outcomes.

Underpinned by integrityEmbodies and promotes the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.

Staff will be treated fairly and respectfully, and the office’s team will always exemplify integrity.



Guided by partnersWork is underpinned by strong and effective partnerships with people with disability, their families and carers, disability providers, community, government and mainstream agencies.

LeadershipLeads by advocating with and for people with disability and their supports, and it is influential and motivated to embed best-practice, harness innovation and advance excellence in WA.

Flexible and responsiveThe office will need to have the foresight and flexibility to continually identify changes required and adapt to remain relevant, fit-for-purpose and add value. It is expected that the functions and role of the office will evolve over time.

A recent example demonstrating a flexible approach to service delivery according to community needs is the COVID-19 Disability Taskforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted people with disability, their families and carers. Working closely with sector partners, Commonwealth Government and other State Government agencies, the Taskforce, co-chaired by Communities, rolled out several initiatives, including:

a website to connect job seekers with disability sector employers two helplines to support people with disability and disability service providers an essential shopping delivery service to support delivery of essential shopping

and pharmaceutical items during isolation.



Underlying drivers of change

Focus on people with disabilityThe proposed office will strive to improve the wellbeing of the 411,500 people with disability in WA3. It will be uncompromising in its commitment to upholding the human rights of people with disability. It will build on the strength of existing partnerships and foster new relationships required to embed best practice, culturally appropriate services and sector-wide continuous improvement to ensure an inclusive and accessible WA.

NDIS rollout in WAThe bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and WA for the transition to a National Disability Insurance Scheme in WA commenced 1 July 2017. This agreement began with the intake of participants from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and WA NDIS trials, as well as the geographic areas of Kimberley-Pilbara and parts of the Lower South West and South Metro regions. The transition of the remaining state clients then followed, commencing on 1 July 2018.

The scheme is scheduled to be fully rolled out by 30 June 2023. This will necessitate the negotiation of the full-scheme NDIS bilateral agreement.

Integration into Communities WA State Government’s machinery of government reforms resulted in the roles and responsibilities of the DSC being integrated into the new Department of Communities as of 1 July 2017.

The Disability Services division (Disability Services) was created as a temporary division to continue supporting people eligible for the NDIS who are connected to State specialist disability services to transition to the Commonwealth administered NDIS and to administer statutory functions under the Disability Services Act 1993 and other legacy services and supports. This division ceased on 30 June 2020.

Reforms at both the national and state level continue to have a significant impact on the role of the WA Government in its administration of disability services. An independent review (Functional Review) of disability services was undertaken and will inform State disability responsibilities moving forward.

3 ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers: Summary of Findings 2018



Royal Commission The Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability is giving people with disability, their families and other stakeholders the opportunity to have their voice heard and experiences told.

It is highly likely the inquiry will seek information from Communities, related to current and historic disability service provision and oversight. Given the inquiry’s broad scope, it may also seek information related to housing and child protection policy and service delivery.

National and State Disability Strategy The State Disability Strategy and a new National Disability Strategy are driving an ambitious agenda to create a more inclusive society that enables Australians with disability to exercise their full citizenship right.

COVID-19 pandemicThe COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted people with disability, their families and carers and transformed the way we conduct our business. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability received evidence that people with disability have faced barriers in accessing quality health care during the pandemic, including inaccessible communication, clinics and testing, and triage protocols that discriminate against people with disability.



Focus on people with disabilityLike all members of the WA community, people with disability want to live a life of their choosing. This involves participating in education, employment, healthcare, housing and justice. However, in seeking to achieve quality of life, people with disability routinely face challenges and are more likely to experience underemployment, poor health, discrimination and violence

Did you know? 1 in 11 people with disability experienced discrimination in the last year. 48per cent of people aged 15-65 living with disability are employed vs 79 per

cent of people without a disability4

Participation in the labour market is of vital importance to achieving community access and inclusion. Employment not only provides increased economic freedom, it gives a sense of self-worth and provides an opportunity for social interaction. Employing people with disability does not cost any more than employing people without disability5, and research on workers with disability6 show they often have lower absenteeism and employee turnover, and low incidence of workplace injury— which all help to create cost effective businesses. Organisations who have built capability for inclusion will also minimise risk of injury, complaint or breach of discrimination law.

The office will be committed to Communities becoming an employer of choice and will be led by people with disability in achieving this.

It will strive to improve the wellbeing of the 411,500 people with disability in WA. It will be uncompromising in its commitment to upholding the human rights of people with disability, guiding activity now and into the future.

Did you know? 24 per cent of Indigenous Australians live with a disability. 33 per cent of indigenous people living with a disability aged 15-64 are

employed versus 65 per cent of Indigenous people without a disability7.7

4 People with disability in Australia report summary, Australian Government: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website5 Graffam, J., Shinkfield, A., Smith, K., & Polzin, U. (1998). Making it work; Employer outcomes when employing a person with a disability. Melbourne; Institute of Disability Studies, Deakin University.6 Australian Safety and Compensation Council, 2007, Are People with Disability at Risk at Work? A Review of the Evidence, ASCC, Canberra, Du Paul University 2007 and Graffam J, Shinkfield A, Smith K and Polzin, U 2002, Employer benefits and costs of employing a person with a disability, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 4, p. 251-2637 Disability support for Indigenous Australians snapshot, Australian Government: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare website


https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/disability-support-for-indigenous-australians

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/summary


The office will build on the strength of existing partnerships and foster new relationships required to embed best practice, culturally appropriate services and sector-wide continuous improvement to ensure an inclusive and accessible WA.

Communities will work in collaboration with the sector and the Commonwealth to ensure that choice and control continues to be upheld as a core component of the NDIS.

The establishment of an office of disability provides an opportunity for Communities to steward the sector for the benefit of people with disability, so they have access to services which meet their needs. This may be in how these services are delivered, or where these services are delivered.

Prompting Questions1. How should the office ensure people with disability are at the centre of everything it

does?

2. What functions should the office perform to meet the current challenges facing people with disability, families and carers?



NDIS rolloutSince 2017, Communities has been working with the NDIA to transition people with disability who received supports funded or provided by Communities’ Disability Services.

In 2017, Disability Services provided 23,104 transition client records to the NDIA and as of 31 May 2020, the NDIA reported that all but 5,273 of these clients have transitioned.

Transition in focusAcross the state, Communities has been working in collaboration with the NDIA to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, with full scheme rollout scheduled for 30 June 2023.

To date the percentage of clients successfully transitioned to the NDIS is as follows:

Perth Metropolitan Area:

o North East Metro – 87.4 per cent o Central South Metro – 70.2 per cento South Metro – 72.8 per cento North Metro – 75.2 per cent o Central North Metro – 67.5 per cento South East Metro – 70.7 per cent

Regional Western Australia:

o Kimberley/Pilbara – 29.4 per cento South West – 72.8 per cento Wheatbelt – 81 per cento Great Southern – 71.3 per cento Goldfields Esperance – 70.3 per cento Midwest Gascoyne – 64.4 per cent.

Disability sectorThe NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will begin operation in WA on 1 December 2020. Until this time Communities will continue to provide robust oversight of quality and safeguarding, this includes overseeing the registration of new service providers. As of 15 June 2020, there were 663 registered service providers in WA, this represents a 174 per cent increase since the beginning of the NDIS rollout in 2017.



In 2018, The Minister for Disability Services, Stephen Dawson, announced a $20.3 million WA sector transition fund (transition fund) to support the sustainability of the WA disability sector in the transition to the NDIS.

The fund has assisted 74 organisations to adapt and develop their business and service delivery models for the NDIS.

The final round of the transition fund is focused on ensuring sector readiness for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, including the provision of training aimed at increasing and sustaining the number of appropriately skilled Behaviour Support Practitioners in WA.

Did you know?By the launch of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission in WA on 1 December 2020, it is anticipated that up to 90 individuals will be prepared to lodge suitability to perform as Behaviour Support Practitioners.

Prompting questions3. What role might an office of disability play in ensuring that the NDIS works well

in WA?

4. What should an office of disability do to ensure people with disability in regional and remote areas have access to supports and services?

5. How might a disability office work to assist WA disability providers to ensure they can continue providing supports and services in WA that suit people with disability’s choice and needs?



Integration of Disability Services into Communities WA State Government’s machinery of government reforms resulted in the roles and responsibilities of the DSC being integrated into the new Department of Communities as of 1 July 2017.

Under this new Department, the Disability Services division (Disability Services) was created as a temporary division to continue supporting people eligible for the NDIS who are connected to State specialist disability services to transition to the Commonwealth-administered NDIS and to administer statutory functions under the Disability Services Act and other legacy services and supports. This division ceased on 30 June 2020.

Agency Capability Program (ACP)In late 2019, the ACP was formed to drive Communities’ reform program, aligning projects that increase our outward focus, strengthen our people and enhance our systems and processes, using different ways of working to build the agency’s partnership approach, cultural competency and integrity.

On 24 April 2020, as a result of the recommendations of the ACP, Communities’ Director General directed the establishment of an office of disability to be effective as of 1 July 2020, to coincide with the cessation of the Disability Services division on 30 June 2020.

An office of disability will provide the structure to complete the transition to the NDIS and progress the outcomes of the Functional Review, while developing the office’s future responsibilities and directions.

The review recommended that Communities build its staff capability and bolster credibility with the sector. Additionally, the review noted that Communities is not consistently engaging effectively or performing its cross-agency or cross-sector stewardship role across the human services sector.

This structure will see the integration of Disability Services into the wider Communities structure namely:

creation of an office of disability within the Strategy and Partnerships division Disability Services Local Operations integrating into the Community Services

division Contracting and Procurement functions integrating into the Chief Finance

Officer division.



Between July 2018 and March 2020, several functions of Disability Services were already integrated across Communities.

In line with the transition to the NDIS and the ceasing of Disability Service, the Disability Services Act will be reviewed.

Functional ReviewReforms at both the national and state level continue to have a significant impact on the role of the WA Government in its administration of disability services. These reforms prompted the need for a comprehensive review of disability services in Communities.

An independent review (Functional Review) of disability services was undertaken and will inform State disability responsibilities going forward.

Once the outcome is known the office will provide strong governance and oversight of the Functional Review and its implementation to ensure coordination and integration of all strategic reform projects.

Prompting questions6. Are there specific functions or roles that you believe should be included in an office

of disability? Tell us why?

7. What are your best ideas about how an office of disability can engage effectively throughout WA?

8. What role can an office of disability play in improving the rights of people with disability in WA?

9. Do you have any ideas on how an office of disability can be inclusive of a range of people?



Royal Commission On 4 April 2019, a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Royal Commission) was established by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Royal Commission’s terms of reference charge it with inquiring into matters including:

what governments, institutions and the community should do to prevent, and better protect, people with disability from experiencing violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation

how to achieve best practice in the reporting, effective investigation and response to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability

what should be done to promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Royal Commission has an incredibly broad scope, with the capacity to inquire into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability in all setting and contexts. As such, the Royal Commission will have the jurisdiction to examine services funded, regulated and delivered by a range of State Government agencies including the Departments of Communities, Health, Education and Justice, and the Western Australian Police Force.

The inquiry is scheduled to deliver its interim report no later than 30 October 2020 and its final report no later than 29 April 2022.

Implications for the Department of Communities On 19 August 2019, the WA Government endorsed the Minister for Disability Services as lead Minister for the Disability Royal Commission, with Communities responsible for leading the State’s participation in the Disability Royal Commission. This role is in addition to Communities’ role as a primary agency responding to the Disability Royal Commission.

It is highly likely the inquiry will seek information from Communities, related to current and historic disability service provision and oversight. Given the inquiry’s broad scope, it may also seek information related to housing and child protection policy and service delivery.



Did you know? As of June 2020, nationally there were:

o 1,055 submissions receivedo 4293 phone enquirieso 9 issues papers publishedo 196 responses to issues papers.8

Prompting question10. How can an office of disability support the WA Government’s response to the

Disability Royal Commission?

8 Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (2020), Commonwealth of Australia


https://rcdisability.govcms.gov.au/


National and State disability strategies

National Disability StrategyThe National Disability Strategy9 (the national strategy sets out a 10-year national plan for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. The national strategy seeks to create a more cohesive approach across the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.

The national strategy finishes at the end of 2020, and the Australian Government is leading the development of a new strategy. Stage one consultations were conducted between April and July 2019, the resulting report Right to opportunity: Consultation report to help shape the next national disability strategy10 is available in a variety of accessible formats.

The second stage of consultations have been postponed due to COVID-19 and will resume once reassessed by the National Disability Strategy Reform Steering Group.

Did you know? The development of the National Disability Strategy is the first time in Australia’s

history that all governments have committed to a unified, national approach to improving the lives of people with disability, their families and carers, and to providing leadership for a community-wide shift in attitudes.11

State Disability StrategyCommunities has led the development of A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030 (the State strategy).

The State strategy is a 10-year strategy that will outline how we will build a more inclusive community across WA over the next 10 years.

The State strategy will set a vision for WA as a place where people with disability have opportunities available to them, are engaged, and feel empowered to live as they choose.

A targeted action plan will underpin the State strategy and will identify actions to be taken by the State Government and a broad range of stakeholders to deliver on

9 2010-2020 National Disability Strategy (2011), Commonwealth of Australia10 Right to opportunity Consultation: report to help shape the next national disability strategy (2019), Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Social Services.11 2010-2020 National Disability Strategy (2011), Commonwealth of Australia


https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2012/national_disability_strategy_2010_2020.pdf

https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/12_2019/ndsbeyond2020-fullreport-161219_0.pdf

https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/12_2019/ndsbeyond2020-fullreport-161219_0.pdf

https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2012/national_disability_strategy_2010_2020.pdf


this vision.

It is a call to action for government, business and community organisations to create a state where all Western Australians have equitable and fair opportunities to participate in their community in the way that they choose.

The State strategy presents an opportunity to set the strategic direction within WA’s disability sector at a time of great change.

WA’s transition to the nationally-administered NDIS, and the machinery of government changes, create a unique opportunity to refocus the future WA landscape for people with disability.

The action plan that underpins the State strategy will be responsive to priorities, including the Royal Commission.

The State strategy and action plan are currently under development. A related consultation draft is being prepared with a core group of key stakeholders and will be circulated for broader consultation in July 2020. It is expected that the final State strategy will be launched in October or November 2020.

Communities will be the lead agency on the implementation of the action plan, and it is envisaged that oversight of the State strategy and action plan will be undertaken by the proposed office of disability.

Prompting questions11. How do you think the State Disability Strategy can best be implemented through

the office?

12. What are your thoughts about how to better engage with people with disability, their families and carers?



Implementation considerations

Office of disability functionsFollowing development of a desired functional model, alignment of existing functions will be considered.

LeadershipThe appointment of senior staff will be prioritised to ensure the right leaders are appointed to establish the direction of the new office, drive functional and cultural changes, and embed new ways of working. The appointment of people with disability, those with lived experience and Aboriginal people, will also be a priority.

Did you know? Australia was one of the first countries to ratify the United Nation’s Convention

on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 17 July 2008.

Analysis of existing positions and resourcesFollowing alignment of functions, an analysis of positions and resources will be undertaken to determine the existing talent pool, and what additional skills and capability might be required to support the functions of the new office.

Systems and technologyThe new office will need to be underpinned by systems and technology that support the functions of the office. Consideration will need to be given as to what systems will be required.

Process and toolsThe development of new internal processes and tools to support the functions of the new office will need to be considered to ensure they translate into desired agency practice and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the office.

Where to from here?The information and feedback gathered from this discussion paper, as well as feedback from community engagement sessions, will be reviewed and used to inform the development of a new functional model, and establishment of the new office.



Communities recognises that community engagement will require specific and targeted engagement with people with disability, their families and carers, and individuals, groups and organisations that may be particularly invested in, or affected by, this proposed approach.

More information on opportunities to be involved can be found on Communities’ website in the An office of disability section, or by request by emailing [email protected]




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