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Melba Support Services is endorsing the current proposal to introduce a single regulator, the Social Services Regulator (SSR), to oversee Victoria’s social services network.  

“This endorsement, however, comes with a caveat. That people with a disability lead the way in this change, and that disability is fully recognised and evenly weighted against other sectors within the social services space”, said Melissa Webster, Acting CEO Melba Support Services. 

“I would also raise a sensitive topic that some people with disability have raised, and that is the concern about the current operation of the SSR and its output. We need to tread carefully to make sure the SSR’s promise is delivered upon and is resourced appropriately. 

“Disability support services are unique and the intricacies of what we do and the people we work with must be recognised and appropriate protections firmly put in place. We must ensure there are associated regulators within this framework that understand the sector and the risks. 

“We firmly believe that the Social Services Regulator will reduce the instances that we see all too often, that is people who have been stood down from their positions under allegations of serious abuse are able to simply go and work for another provider or in another sector.  

“People with disability deserve better. 

“At Melba, we do everything by the book – we suspend immediately, notify all authorities, investigate thoroughly, and cooperate fully with police. But then we discover the same worker is employed elsewhere, sometimes even before criminal charges are laid. It’s gut-wrenching. 

The introduction of a single Social Services Regulator will not diminish the role of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission nor detract from the ongoing efforts needed toward getting a coordinated national strategy. Rather, it represents a constructive step in enhancing protections for people with disabilities. 

“We believe a centralised regulator will facilitate the sharing and accessibility of information regarding violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation across the entire social services network, resulting in better safeguards for all. 

“Late at night, I’m haunted by a simple question – would anybody want to be supported, or have a family member be supported, by someone under suspension for suspected abuse, simply because the paperwork hasn’t caught up? The answer is obvious, yet our system operates as if it isn’t.” 

Webster said the framework exists, the precedent is proven, and the need is urgent, but the timing and implementation must be considered and consistent.  

“We acknowledge there have been limitations and issues to date that are causing great concern and trepidation but we strongly believe that working together to build a centralised approach is the first and most logical step. Co-design must be enacted to ensure that people with disability have a functional role in building how this framework will be put into action. 

“There must be adequate consultation with the disability community and an agreement that no single sector within the social services network is more heavily weighted for protection. Every Australian should be afforded the highest level of protection, and this will only come from understanding the unique landscape of each sector and the people within it. 

“So yes, we support the introduction of a single regulator to offer multi sector protection, but it must be approached in the appropriate timelines, it must address and uphold sector specific requirements and every single person who receives support must be equally represented.  

“For too long people with disability, their safety and their rights have been undervalued, and we must correct that here and now.  

“We need to get this right and lead the way across Australia in ensure people with disability are provided high quality, tailored protections.”