Victoria Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge

Feedback Sought On Draft Supported Residential Services Regulations

Victor P Taffa

Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge has invited public comment on draft regulations for Victoria’s Supported Residential Services (SRS).

Ms. Wooldridge said new regulations had been drafted for the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010.

“In line with government policy, a regulatory impact statement has been developed to assess the potential costs and benefits of these draft regulations.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

“The draft regulations set out the detailed requirements for application processes, information for residents, complaints procedures, record keeping and reporting, the accommodation and personal support standards, staffing requirements, and fees and money management.”

SRS are private businesses that deliver accommodation and personal support to people who can no longer live independently at home, including older Victorians and people with disabilities. There are currently 171 Supported Residential Services in the state.

Ms. Wooldridge said the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010 aimed to protect the safety, wellbeing and rights of vulnerable Victorians living in an SRS.

“It includes new occupancy and financial protections for residents, as well as wider enforcement powers giving the government the ability to act quickly when proprietors break the law.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

“Staff requirements are boosted, while SRS proprietors will also benefit from a streamlined registration process.”

Submissions may be made by mail to the SRS Regulatory Review Team, Department of Health, PO Box 4541, Melbourne 3001; by email to srslegislationreview@health.vic.gov.au; or by telephoning 1800 079 537.

Public consultation concludes on 30 January 2012. For further information visit: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/srs/