Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

DISABILITY SERVICES ACT 1986 - SECT 3

             (1)  The objects of this Act are:

                     (a)  to replace provisions of the Handicapped Persons Assistance Act 1974 , and of Part VIII of the Social Security Act 1947 , with provisions that are more flexible and more responsive to the needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities;

                     (b)  to assist persons with disabilities to receive services necessary to enable them to work towards full participation as members of the community;

                     (c)  to promote services provided to persons with disabilities that:

                              (i)  assist persons with disabilities to integrate in the community, and complement services available generally to persons in the community;

                             (ii)  assist persons with disabilities to achieve positive outcomes, such as increased independence, employment opportunities and integration in the community; and

                            (iii)  are provided in ways that promote in the community a positive image of persons with disabilities and enhance their self-esteem;

                     (d)  to ensure that the outcomes achieved by persons with disabilities by the provision of services for them are taken into account in the granting of financial assistance for the provision of such services;

                     (e)  to encourage innovation in the provision of services for persons with disabilities; and

                      (f)  to assist in achieving positive outcomes, such as increased independence, employment opportunities and integration in the community, for persons with disabilities who are of working age by the provision of comprehensive rehabilitation services.

             (2)  In construing the objects and in administering this Act, due regard must be had to:

                     (a)  the limited resources available to provide services and programs under this Act; and

                     (b)  the need to consider equity and merit in accessing those resources.