House debates

Thursday, 14 February 2019

Questions without Notice

Disability Services

2:42 pm

Photo of Bill ShortenBill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's previous answer and acknowledge his support for the NDIS. But, at 12.15 pm today government senators voted and divided against a disability royal commission. Is that still the position of the government?

2:43 pm

Photo of Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I thought I made the government's position fairly clear in my answer to the last question, and I'd add further: the NDIS Commission has strong investigative and regulatory powers and will take tough and appropriate action, including deregistration, banning orders and civil penalties. The NDIS Commission commenced operations in New South Wales and South Australia on 1 July 2018. It will commence in the ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria on 1 July 2019, and in Western Australia on 1 July 2020. At this point, there are the powers and the ability to address issues in this sector, as we currently understand it, but we will always remain open to ideas and suggestions about how further support can be provided.