Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Bill 2020

Continued his speech detailing concerns about dual screening barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, screening costs, privacy protections, ICT system security, and government implementation track record, while supporting the NDIS reform.

“The LNP backs this suggestion, especially in the light of the current economic downturn experienced by Queenslanders before COVID-19 and deepened by the pandemic and associated recession.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Continued speech raising concerns about barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, screening costs for applicants on income support, privacy and confidentiality of applicant information, and risks of government ICT project delivery, while confirming the LNP supports the NDIS reform.

“The Liberal National Party certainly supports these sentiments, especially in view of the current economic environment and associated impacts of the COVID-19 health pandemic.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Announced the LNP would not oppose the legislation but raised concerns about barriers to entry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, applicant screening costs, privacy of information sharing, and the government's track record on ICT projects.

“The Liberal National Party will not be opposing this legislation.”— 2020-12-02View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill, drawing on his experience managing organisations providing services for people with intellectual disabilities, emphasising the need for screening tools to protect vulnerable people from abuse.

“Key to the success of the NDIS for many of the services are the workers who support people with disabilities.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

Spoke in support as former chair of the committee that examined the bill, highlighting the importance of nationally consistent worker screening to safeguard people with disability.

“I am pleased to support this bill to support Queensland's implementation of nationally consistent worker screening under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Voiced support for the bill as a sensible step providing national consistency and greater protection for vulnerable people, drawing on his experience as a former assistant minister for child safety.

“We have indicated that we will not be opposing this legislation. It is a sensible step forward. It provides national consistency.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

As shadow minister for communities and disability services, confirmed the LNP would not oppose the legislation while flagging concerns about implementation barriers and screening costs.

“I confirm that the LNP will not oppose this legislation, but there are some important matters that, as the shadow minister for this area and also shadow minister for multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships, I wish to bring to the attention of the House.”— 2020-12-03View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill, emphasising the importance of worker screening to protect people with disability who are at high risk of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

“We want only the right people to take care of our most vulnerable and this can only be achieved with strong processes in place and worker screening is an important part of making sure that we get the right people to do the right job every single time.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard

As minister, replied to the second reading debate addressing concerns about barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, screening fees, privacy protections, and ICT system security before the bill passed all remaining stages.

“One of my highest priorities as the new Minister for Seniors and Disability Services is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people with disability. This bill is an important part of that.”— 2020-12-04View Hansard