Families of disabled New Zealanders are calling a new government bill designed to provide a “foundational legislative framework” to Disability Support Services “unfair” and “disgusting”.
The bill was introduced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston this week and is set to have its first reading on Thursday.
Upston said Disability Support Services (DSS), which sits within the Ministry for Social Development and funds care for about 55,000 disabled people each year, has been “operating without a clear legislative foundation”.
“This has made it harder for people to understand what support is available, who qualifies, and how decisions are made,” she said.
But according to some of the individuals affected, the law change - which would reverse a recent Supreme Court decision recognising some family carers as employees - will actually reduce certainty and increase stress for caregivers.
