Disabled people can air grievances through new service

25/3/95

People with disabilities concerned over Government-provided disability services will be able to have their complaints heard through a new consumer service, Disability Services Minister Kevin Minson said today.

"This new service underlines the commitment by both the Coalition Government and the Disability Service Commissions to improving the efficiency and responsiveness of the services provided," Mr Minson said.

"People with disabilities can often feel disadvantaged or intimidated about complaining if confronted by poor services or products.

"This can be caused by communication difficulties, fear of confrontation or because service providers play such a key role in providing basic support and care."

Mr Minson said the new complaints service aimed to reduce barriers and provide people with disabilities with the support and confidence needed to make their views heard.

The commission had produced a guide for people wishing to make a complaint which outlined how the consumer complaints service worked and what consumers should do when trying to solve a problem.

The service would provide consumers with a number of avenues for having complaints heard and resolved.

Consumer complaint liaison officers had been appointed in each of the four Disability Services Commission's metropolitan regions to handle consumer complaints.

A toll-free complaints line was available for people in country areas on 008 998 214.

In addition, a consumer grievance officer, based in the Commission's West Perth office would be responsible for advising consumers on the service and to review complaints which were not able to be resolved locally.

Mr Minson said copies of the guide would be made available through Disability Services Commission offices.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy (09) 272 7222