Following the Disability Royal Commission, the Australian Government made a $4.4 million commitment to drive nationally consistent approaches to state and territory operated disability Community Visitor Schemes (CVS).
What is this Community Visitor Scheme?
Community Visitor Schemes are in place to provide protection for people with disability living in group homes or other closed settings – visiting sites, speaking with residents, and raising red flags (hopefully before abuse or neglect becomes an issue).
Unfortunately, existing schemes currently operate inconsistently across states and territories, with WA and Tasmania not even having disability CVS in place. This patchwork approach to safeguards is dependent on where you live.
How can you help?
The Government is undertaking a consultation to gain insight and views on CVS from people with disability across Australia, and the disability sector more broadly.
Feedback will directly inform the ongoing work of considering opportunities to drive nationally consistent approaches for CVS across Australia.
They want to hear from:
- people with disability
- families, friends and carers
- disability accommodation and service providers
- representative organisations
- advocates and supporters of people with disability
- community visitors
- peak bodies and government agencies.
Facilitated by independent expert supplier, WhereTo Research, on behalf of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, this consultation will close on 12 September 2025.
For more information and details on how to get involved, please go to:
