The Department of Communities (Communities) recognises the need to strengthen safeguards for people with disability, their families and carers, and service providers and their employees. This includes providing clear framework for how authorisation is given for the use of restrictive practices that considers the rights and safety of people with disability and their supports.
Restrictive practice means any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability.
Communities is currently working to develop legislation on the authorisation of restrictive practices in Western Australian disability services.
Consultation
Community consultation on the preferred model for authorising the use of restrictive practices in the disability sector began in 2021, commencing with a six-week public consultation process. This included a wide range of workshops and focus groups, as well as surveys, snap polls, feedback forms and written submissions.
Community consultation was followed by the establishment of an Authorisation of Restrictive Practices Deliberative Panel in 2022 – 2023. The Panel, which comprised of 30 community, disability sector and government stakeholders, reviewed the input received through the public consultation process to formulate a preferred model for further consideration while the Government waited for the final report of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).
Disability Royal Commission
In September 2023, the Disability Royal Commission made detailed recommendations on restrictive practices amongst its 222 recommendations, that required cross-government and interjurisdictional consultation and consideration.
On 1 July 2024, the WA Government accepted in principle all recommendations on restrictive practices. For more information visit the Disability Royal Commission WA Government response.
Latest news
Significant progress has been made towards the introduction of new legislation for the authorisation of restrictive practices used in disability services. Updates will be provided as available.
