The Community Services Amendment Bill 2014 has been passed to promote transparency in service delivery and better outcomes for vulnerable people.
NSW Minister for Family and Community Services Gabrielle Upton said the changes will give the NSW Ombudsman more power to take action on issues relating to the delivery of community services.
“By shining a light on the system and increasing transparency, we can improve services and most importantly outcomes”, Ms Upton said.
Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka said the changes will make it easier for people to make complaints and have their voices heard.
Mr Ajaka also acknowledged that vulnerable people; particularly children and young people, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities, are often reluctant to pursue complaints about community service delivery.
“The Act has been amended to make clear that a person can be represented by a person advocating on their behalf. The feedback received from complaints will help make services better”, Mr Ajaka said.