Western Australia: Disability Services Act 1993 (WA)

Western Australia Disability Services Act 1993 Western Australia Disability Services Act 1993 Contents Part 1 — Preliminary 1. Short title 1 2. Commencement 1 3. Terms used 1 3A. Persons who are carers 1 4. Legal proceedings to enforce provision of a service 1 5. Crown bound 1 Part 2 — Disability Services Commission Division 1 — Establishment and personnel 6. Commission a body corporate 1 7. Board of Commission 1 8. Chief executive officer 1 9. Other personnel 1 10. Use of other government staff and facilities 1 11. Superannuation and leave entitlements 1 Division 2 — Functions 12. Functions of Commission 1 12A. Contracts to provide goods or services to Commission 1 13. Power to fix fees and charges 1 14. Delegation 1 Division 3 — Financial provisions 15. Funds of Commission 1 16. Borrowing from Treasurer 1 17. Borrowing generally 1 18. Treasurer's guarantee 1 19. Application of Financial Management Act 2006 and Auditor General Act 2006 1 Division 4 — Relationship with the Minister 20. Minister may give directions 1 21. Minister to have access to information 1 21A. Notification of general policies of Government 1 21B. Minister to be consulted on major initiatives 1 Part 3 — Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability 22. Council established 1 23. Council's functions 1 Part 4 — Financial assistance for matters relating to people with disability 24. Grants of financial assistance 1 25. Grant to be subject of agreement 1 26. Minister may review Commission's decisions 1 Part 4A — Contracts to provide some disability services 26A. Terms used 1 26B. Method of contracting to provide services for people with disability 1 26C. Assignment of benefit of contract 1 Part 4B — Trial of disability services model 26D. Purpose of this Part 1 26E. Terms used 1 26F. Effect of certain terms in the NDIS Act 1 26G. Trial of disability services model 1 26H. Trial participants 1 26I. Reasonable and necessary supports for participants 1 Part 5 — Disability access and inclusion plans by public authorities 27. Application of Part 1 28. Disability access and inclusion plans 1 29. Report about disability access and inclusion plan 1 29A. Disability access and inclusion plans to be made available 1 29B. Public authorities to ensure implementation of disability access and inclusion plan 1 29C. Annual report by Commission about plans 1 Part 6 — Complaints about some disability services and resident services Division 1 — Preliminary 30. Terms used 1 30AA. This Part to be read with Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995 1 30A. Functions of Director 1 31. Parties themselves may resolve complaint 1 Division 2 — Complaints and conciliation 32. Who may complain 1 33. Who and what can be complained about 1 33A. Health services complaints 1 34. Time for complaining 1 35. How to complain 1 36. Withdrawal of complaint 1 37. Preliminary decision by Director 1 38. Rejection, deferral or referral of complaints 1 39A. Response by respondent 1 39B. Resolving complaints by negotiation 1 39. Conciliation of complaints 1 Division 3 — Investigations 40. Investigation of complaints and referred matters 1 41. Director's powers on investigation 1 42A. Conciliator must not investigate 1 Division 4 — Consequences of investigation 42. Director to decide, give reasons etc. 1 43A. Warrants 1 43B. Reports to Parliament 1 43. Respondent to report on remedial action 1 44. Report to Parliament where report not made or remedial action not taken 1 Division 4A — Director's relationship with the Minister 44A. Minister may give directions 1 44B. Minister to have access to information 1 Division 5 — General 45. Proceedings to stop if court action etc. 1 46. Minister may refer matters for investigation 1 46A. Investigation at the request of Parliament 1 46B. False or misleading statements 1 47. Person not to be penalised because of complaining 1 48A. Prescribed service provider must give certain information 1 48. Registers of complaints 1 49. Delegation 1 50. Confidentiality 1 Part 7 — Miscellaneous 51. Protection 1 52. Confidentiality 1 53. Offence of ill‑treatment 1 54. Prosecution of offences 1 55. Parliamentary Commissioner may conduct investigation 1 56. Regulations 1 57A. Regulations may refer to published documents 1 57. Review of Act 1 Schedule 1 — Principles applicable to people with disability Schedule 2 — Objectives for services and programmes Schedule 3 — Provisions applicable to the Board of the Commission 1. Tenure of office 1 2. Chairperson 1 3. Meetings 1 4. Remuneration 1 Schedule 4 — Provisions applicable to the Commission's personnel 1. Superannuation 1 2. Saving of leave entitlements 1 Schedule 5 — Provisions applicable to the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability 1. Tenure of office 1 2. Chairperson 1 3. Meetings 1 4. Remuneration 1 Notes Compilation table 1 Uncommenced provisions table 1 Other notes 1 Defined terms Western Australia Disability Services Act 1993 An Act for the establishment of the Disability Services Commission and the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability, for the furtherance of principles applicable to people with disability, for the funding and provision of services to such people that meet certain objectives, for the resolution of complaints by such people, and for related purposes. [Long title amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 4; No. 57 of 2004 s. 4; No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.] Part 1 — Preliminary 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Disability Services Act 1993. 2. Commencement This Act comes into operation 7 days after the day on which it receives the Royal Assent. 3. Terms used In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears — Account means the account referred to in section 15(2); Board means the board of the Commission provided for by section 7; carer has the meaning given to that term in section 3A; chief executive officer means the chief executive officer of the Commission; Commission means the Disability Services Commission referred to in section 6; Council means the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability established under section 22; Declared Places Act means the Declared Places (Mental Impairment) Act 2015; Director means the Director of the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office appointed under the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995; disability means a disability — (a) which is attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments; and (b) which is permanent or likely to be permanent; and (c) which may or may not be of a chronic or episodic nature; and (d) which results in — (i) a substantially reduced capacity of the person for communication, social interaction, learning or mobility; and (ii) a need for continuing support services; disability service means — (a) a service provided specifically for people with disability, whether by carers or others; or (b) a service provided specifically for carers; Disability Services Standards are those standards prescribed in accordance with section 12(1)(i); metropolitan region has the meaning given to that term in the Planning and Development Act 2005 section 4; personnel means the chief executive officer and people appointed or employed under section 9; public authority means — (a) a department of the Public Service or an organisation specified in column 2 of Schedule 2 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994; or (b) another authority or body (whether incorporated or not) that is established for a public purpose by the State, regardless of the way it is established; or (c) a person declared by regulation to be a public authority; resident means a resident as defined in the Declared Places Act section 3; service developer means a person who or which — (a) investigates the need for disability services other than disability services provided by carers; or (b) researches the provision of disability services other than disability services provided by carers; or (c) plans for the provision of disability services other than disability services provided by carers; or (d) develops proposals for the provision of disability services other than disability services provided by carers; or (e) initiates the provision of disability services other than disability services provided by carers; or (f) develops or implements training programmes for people who provide disability services other than disability services provided by carers; or (g) researches the effects of providing disability services other than disability services provided by carers; or (h) does any prescribed activity; service provider means an individual or group of individuals or a body corporate or incorporate that renders or provides disability services other than disability services provided by carers. [Section 3 amended: No. 32 of 1994 s. 19; No. 44 of 1999 s. 5; No. 37 of 2004 s. 24; No. 57 of 2004 s. 5; No. 38 of 2005 s. 15; No. 33 of 2010 s. 32; No. 40 of 2012 s. 4 and 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 70; No. 10 of 2023 s. 334.] 3A. Persons who are carers (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person is a carer for the purposes of this Act if he or she is an individual who provides ongoing care or assistance to a person with disability. (2) However a person is not a carer if he or she — (a) provides the care or assistance under a contract for services (other than an agreement entered into under section 25) or a contract of service; or (b) provides the care or assistance while doing community work as defined in section 3(1) of the Volunteers and Food and Other Donors (Protection from Liability) Act 2002. (3) A person is not a carer for the purposes of this Act only because — (a) the person is a spouse, de facto partner, parent or guardian of a person with disability; or (b) the person provides care to a child with disability under an arrangement with the chief executive officer of the department principally assisting the Minister administering the Children and Community Services Act 2004 in the administration of that Act. [Section 3A inserted: No. 37 of 2004 s. 25; amended: No. 53 of 2006 s. 12(2); No. 33 of 2010 s. 33; No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.] 4. Legal proceedings to enforce provision of a service (1) This Act is not to be taken as providing a person with disability, or any other person, with any greater entitlement to legally enforce the provision of a service than he or she would have had if this Act had not been enacted. (2) Subsection (1) does not limit the services that may be provided under this Act. [Section 4 amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.] 5. Crown bound This Act binds the Crown. Part 2 — Disability Services Commission Division 1 — Establishment and personnel 6. Commission a body corporate (1) The body corporate established under the Authority for Intellectually Handicapped Persons Act 1985 (repealed in Schedule 6) and called the Authority for Intellectually Handicapped Persons is continued as a body corporate under this Act and is called the Disability Services Commission. (2) The Commission is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal. (3) Proceedings may be taken by or against the Commission in its corporate name. (4) The Commission is an agent of the Crown in right of the State and enjoys the status, immunities and privileges of the Crown. (5) The Commission is to be taken to be a department established under section 35 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994. [Section 6 amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 6.] 7. Board of Commission (1) The Commission is to have a board as its governing body and the Board, in the name of the Commission, is to perform the Commission's functions under this Act or any other written law. (2) The Board is to comprise 9 members appointed by the Minister from persons nominated under subsection (2a) — (a) one of whom is to be the person appointed under Schedule 5 as the chairperson of the Council; and (b) at least 5 of whom are to have — (i) disability; or (ii) a relative with disability; or (iii) recent experience as a carer of a person with disability; or (iv) recent experience as an advocate for people with disability; and (c) at least 2 of whom are to have disability; and (d) at least one of whom has recent experience as a carer of a person with disability; and (e) at least 2 of whom have had recent experience in matters relevant to people with disability outside the metropolitan region. (2a) The Minister is to seek nominations, in accordance with the regulations, of persons for appointment as members of the Board. (3) In appointing members the Minister is to ensure that appointed to the Board are — (a) people who have expertise relevant to the functions of the Commission and its operations, including expertise in management, finance, law, marketing, and the provision of services in the public and private sectors; and (b) people who have knowledge of, and experience in, matters relevant to people with disability. (4) Schedule 3 has effect. [Section 7 amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 7; No. 40 of 2012 s. 5 and 24.] 8. Chief executive officer (1) A chief executive officer of the Commission is to be appointed under and subject to Part 3 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994. (2) The function of the chief executive officer is, subject to the control of the Board, to administer the day to day operations of the Commission. [Section 8 amended: No. 32 of 1994 s. 19.] 9. Other personnel (1) Other officers who are necessary to enable the Commission to perform its functions may be appointed under and subject to Part 3 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994. (2) The Commission may employ people otherwise than under Part 3 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, and such people are to be employed subject to any relevant industrial award or agreement. [Section 9 amended: No. 32 of 1994 s. 19; No. 44 of 1999 s. 6.] 10. Use of other government staff and facilities (1) The Commission may by arrangement make use, either full­‑time or part‑time, of — (a) the services of any officer or employee in the Public Service or in a State agency or instrumentality or otherwise in the service of the Crown in right of the State; or (b) any facilities of a department of the Public Service or of a State agency or instrumentality. (2) An arrangement under subsection (1) is to be made between the Commission and the Minister concerned and on such terms as they and the relevant employing authority agree. [Section 10 amended: No. 32 of 1994 s. 19.] 11. Superannuation and leave entitlements Schedule 4 has effect. Division 2 — Functions 12. Functions of Commission (1) The functions of the Commission are — (a) to establish local and other bodies representative of people with disability, their families, guardians and other interested people to advise the Commission on such matters as it specifies; and (b) to develop policies for the provision, encouragement and facilitation of disability services; and (c) to make grants under Part 4 and to ensure that the use of grants is accounted for to the Commission; and (d) to provide and to encourage and facilitate the provision of disability services; and (e) to encourage people who provide services to the general public to adapt those services to meet the needs of people with disability; and (f) to inform people with disability about services available to them specifically, and about services available to the general public which meet the needs of people with disability, and to promote the use by them of such services; and (g) to inform the general public, or any section of it, about people with disability and to promote the acceptance by the general public, or any section of it, of the principles in Schedule 1; and (h) to advise public authorities in relation to the preparation of disability access and inclusion plans under Part 5 and to evaluate the effectiveness of such plans; and (i) to adopt Disability Services Standards as prescribed in relation to people with disability other than residents, and with such modification as is prescribed, and ensure that those standards are met by service providers; and (j) to investigate and make submissions about the effect of written laws on people with disability; and (k) to undertake and encourage research relating to any of its functions; and (l) to cooperate and act jointly with people or bodies so far as is necessary for the performance of its functions; and (m) subject to the Declared Places Act, to establish, operate, control, manage and ensure the security and good order of each place declared under the Criminal Law (Mental Impairment) Act 2023 section 60 to be a declared place and specified in that declaration as a place that is to be controlled and managed by or on behalf of the Disability Services Commission under the Declared Places Act. (2) Subject to section 12A and Part 4A, the Commission may do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions. (3) In performing its functions the Commission is to — (a) further the principles in Schedule 1; and (b) meet the objectives in Schedule 2. (4) The provisions of this Act set out in the Table do not apply to the Commission in performing its functions under subsection (1)(m). Table Provision Provision s. 12(3) Part 4 Part 4A s. 51 s. 52 s. 53 s. 54 s. 56 s. 57 [Section 12 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 7; No. 57 of 2004 s. 8; No. 40 of 2012 s. 6 and 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 71; No. 10 of 2023 s. 335.] 12A. Contracts to provide goods or services to Commission (1) Subject to the Procurement Act 2020 and subsection (2), the Commission may — (a) engage a person under a contract for services to provide such professional, technical, or other assistance; or (b) enter into a contract for the supply of such goods or services, to the Commission as it considers necessary to enable it to perform its functions. (2) Except with the approval of the Minister, the Commission is not to enter into a contract under subsection (1) if the amount to be paid under the contract exceeds an amount specified in a written direction given to the Commission by the Minister under section 20(1). [Section 12A inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 8; amended: No. 24 of 2020 s. 58.] 13. Power to fix fees and charges (1) The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister — (a) fix the fees and charges to be paid to the Commission for using or residing in premises owned by or under the control or management of the Commission; (b) fix the fees and charges to be paid to the Commission for services provided by the Commission; (c) determine the people or classes of people who are liable to pay the fees or charges so fixed in full or in part, or who may be exempted from such payment. (2) Details of the fees and charges fixed and of any determination made must be tabled by the Minister before each House of Parliament within 6 sitting days of such House next following the Minister's approval. 14. Delegation The Commission may in writing delegate to its personnel or a person referred to in section 10, any of its functions except this power of delegation. Division 3 — Financial provisions 15. Funds of Commission (1) The funds of the Commission consist of — (a) moneys from time to time appropriated by Parliament; and (b) moneys received by the Commission in the performance of its functions; and (c) moneys borrowed by the Commission under this Act; and (d) other moneys lawfully received by, or made available, given or payable to the Commission. (2) An account called the Disability Services Commission Account is to be established — (a) as an agency special purpose account under section 16 of the Financial Management Act 2006; or (b) with the approval of the Treasurer, at a bank as defined in section 3 of that Act, to which the funds referred to in subsection (1) are to be credited. (3) The Account is to be charged with — (a) the remuneration and allowances payable to members of the Board; and (b) the salaries and wages of the Commission's personnel; and (c) all expenditure lawfully incurred by the Commission in the performance of its functions; and (d) repayment of, and interest on, moneys borrowed by the Commission under this Act. [Section 15 amended: No. 28 of 2006 s. 157; No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(1).] 16. Borrowing from Treasurer (1) The Commission may borrow from the Treasurer such amounts as the Treasurer approves on such terms and conditions relating to repayment and payment of interest as the Treasurer imposes. (2) The Account and other assets of the Commission are, by virtue of this subsection, charged with the due performance by the Commission of its obligations in respect of a loan under subsection (1). 17. Borrowing generally (1) As well as being able to borrow under section 16, the Commission may — (a) with the Treasurer's prior written approval and on such terms and conditions as the Treasurer approves, borrow money for the purpose of performing its functions; and (b) borrow moneys under this subsection on the guarantee of the Treasurer given under section 18. (2) Any moneys borrowed by the Commission under subsection (1) may be raised as one or more loans and in such manner as the Treasurer approves, but the total amount of the moneys so borrowed is not to exceed such amount as the Treasurer has approved. 18. Treasurer's guarantee (1) The Treasurer may, in the name and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State, guarantee, in such form and subject to such terms and conditions as he or she determines, the payment of any moneys payable by the Commission in respect of moneys borrowed by it under section 17. (2) Before a guarantee is given under subsection (1) the Commission is to give the Treasurer such security as the Treasurer requires and execute all such instruments as are necessary for the purpose. (3) The due payment of moneys payable by the Treasurer under a guarantee given under subsection (1) — (a) is hereby guaranteed by the State; and (b) is to be charged to the Consolidated Account, which to the extent necessary is appropriated accordingly. (4) The Account and other assets of the Commission are, by virtue of this subsection, charged with the due repayment of any payment made by the Treasurer under a guarantee given under subsection (1) and with the performance and observance by the Commission of any terms and conditions which the Treasurer determines under that subsection in respect of that guarantee. (5) Any moneys received or recovered from the Commission or otherwise in respect of a payment under a guarantee given under subsection (1) are to be credited to the Consolidated Account. (6) The Treasurer may fix charges to be paid by the Commission to the credit of the Consolidated Account in respect of a guarantee given under this section. (7) Payment of charges fixed under subsection (6) is to be made at such time or times as the Treasurer determines. [Section 18 amended: No. 77 of 2006 s. 4.] 19. Application of Financial Management Act 2006 and Auditor General Act 2006 The provisions of the Financial Management Act 2006 and the Auditor General Act 2006 regulating the financial administration, audit and reporting of statutory authorities apply to and in respect of the Commission and its operations. [Section 19 amended: No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(2).] Division 4 — Relationship with the Minister 20. Minister may give directions (1) The Minister may give directions in writing to the Commission with respect to the performance of its functions, either generally or in relation to a particular matter, and the Commission must give effect to any such direction. (2) The text of any direction given under subsection (1) is to be included in the annual report submitted by the accountable authority of the Commission under Part 5 of the Financial Management Act 2006. [Section 20 amended: No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(3).] 21. Minister to have access to information (1) The Minister is entitled — (a) to have information in the possession of the Commission; and (b) where the information is in or on a document, to have, and make and retain copies of, that document. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1) the Minister may — (a) request the Commission to furnish information to the Minister; (b) request the Commission to give the Minister access to information; (c) for the purposes of paragraph (b) make use of the personnel and facilities of the Commission to obtain the information and furnish it to the Minister. (3) The Commission must comply with a request under subsection (2) and make its personnel and facilities available to the Minister for the purposes of paragraph (c) of that subsection. (4) The Minister is not entitled to have information under this section in a form that — (a) discloses the identity of a person with disability other than a resident; or (b) might enable the identity of any such person to be ascertained, unless that person has consented to the disclosure. (5A) The Minister is not entitled to have information under this section in a form that — (a) discloses the identity of a resident involved in a particular application, complaint or proceeding; or (b) might enable the identity of any such resident to be ascertained, unless the resident or the resident's enduring guardian or guardian (as those terms are defined in the Declared Places Act section 3) has consented to the disclosure. (5) In this section — document includes any tape, disc or other device or medium on which information is recorded or stored mechanically, photographically, electronically or otherwise; information means information specified, or of a description specified, by the Minister that relates to the functions of the Commission. [Section 21 amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 72; No. 10 of 2023 s. 336.] 21A. Notification of general policies of Government (1) The Minister may notify the Commission in writing of general policies of the Government that are to be implemented by the Commission. (2) The Commission must ensure that the policies are implemented. (3) The Minister may, in writing, exempt the Commission from subsection (2) in relation to specified activities. [Section 21A inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 9.] 21B. Minister to be consulted on major initiatives The Commission must consult the Minister before it enters upon a course of action that in its opinion — (a) amounts to a major initiative; or (b) is likely to be of significant public interest or of significant interest to people with disability, service developers, service providers or carers. [Section 21B inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 9; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 9; No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.] Part 3 — Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability [Heading inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 10; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 10.] 22. Council established (1) A body called the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability is established. (2) The Council is to comprise not more than 14 members, appointed by the Minister from persons nominated under subsection (3). (3) The Minister is to seek nominations, in accordance with the regulations, of persons for appointment as members of the Council. (4) In appointing the members the Minister is to ensure that — (a) they are all persons who have disability, or knowledge of, and experience in, matters relevant to people with disability; and (b) they reflect the interests of the entire spectrum of disability; and (ca) at least 2 of them have had recent experience as a carer of a person with disability; and (c) at least 2 of them have had recent experience in matters relevant to people with disability outside the metropolitan region. (5) Schedule 5 has effect. [Section 22 inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 11(1); amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 7 and 24.] 23. Council's functions (1) The functions of the Council are — (a) to advise the Minister, or such other person as the Minister directs, on the development and implementation of policies, services, programmes and activities that — (i) affect people with disability; (ii) inform the general public, or any section of it, about people with disability and that promote the acceptance by the general public, or any section of it, of the principles in Schedule 1; and (b) to recommend to the Minister, or such other person as the Minister directs, ways to improve the quality of disability services other than disability services provided by carers; and (c) as directed by the Minister from time to time, provided that all such directions by the Minister are tabled in each House of Parliament on the first possible date after their issue. (1a) The Council is to ensure that the interests of the public generally, and the interests of affected stakeholders in particular, are considered before it advises, or makes a recommendation to, the Minister under subsection (1)(a) or (b). (2) The Council may do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, its functions. (3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the Council may request any public authority to provide it with information for the purpose of performing its functions and any such request must be complied with. [Section 23 amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 12; No. 40 of 2012 s. 8 and 24.] Part 4 — Financial assistance for matters relating to people with disability [Heading amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.] 24. Grants of financial assistance (1) The Commission may approve a grant of financial assistance, from moneys standing to the credit of the Account, to — (a) a person with disability; or (b) a carer; or (c) a service provider; or (d) a service developer. (2) A grant of financial assistance must not be approved under subsection (1) unless the Commission is satisfied — (a) that the grant will further the principles in Schedule 1; and (b) that any service or programme funded by the grant meets the objectives in Schedule 2. (3) A grant of financial assistance may be made to a public authority. (4) A grant of financial assistance may be paid in a lump sum or in periodic payments. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Commission may, until 31 December 1995, approve a grant of financial assistance if satisfied the recipient will take steps before that date to ensure the principles in Schedule 1 are furthered and the objectives in Schedule 2 are met. [Section 24 amended: No. 49 of 1996 s. 64; No. 57 of 2004 s. 13; No. 40 of 2012 s. 24.] 25. Grant to be subject of agreement (1) A person is not to be paid funds under a grant of financial assistance until the person has entered into an agreement in writing with the Commission setting out the terms and conditions of the grant. (2) If a grant of financial assistance to an unincorporated association or body of people is approved, the agreement referred to in subsection (1) is to be entered into by an individual or individuals on its behalf. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a grant made to a public authority that is not a body corporate. (4) Without limiting the terms and conditions that may be included in an agreement referred to in subsection (1), unless the Board considers that it is inappropriate for an agreement to do so, such an agreement is to require the recipient of a grant under section 24(1)(c) or (d) to report to the Commission — (a) the death of any person with disability; or (b) significant physical or psychological harm suffered by a person with disability; or (c) without limiting paragraph (b), an assault (including a sexual assault) of a person with disability; or (d) neglect of a person with disability to an extent that results, or is likely to result, in significant physical or psychological harm to that person, within 7 days of the recipient becoming aware of that occurrence. (5) In subsection (4), a reference to a person with disability is a reference to — (a) a person with disability to whom the recipient of a grant is providing a disability service; or (b) a person with disability who is the subject of the agreement. (6) If under subsection (4) the Board decides that it is inappropriate for an agreement to require a recipient of a grant to report to the Commission, the Board is to report to the Minister that it has made that decision. [Section 25 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 11; No. 57 of 2004 s. 14; No. 40 of 2012 s. 9 and 24.] 26. Minister may review Commission's decisions (1) A service provider which is affected directly by a decision by the Commission under this Part may, in writing, request the Minister to review the decision. (2) The Minister has an absolute discretion to review a decision by the Commission under this Part, whether on a request under subsection (1) or otherwise. (3) The Minister is to provide a service provider which has requested a review under this section with — (a) written reasons for refusing to conduct a review; or (b) written conclusions reached after conducting a review. (4) After reviewing a decision by the Commission under this Part the Minister may give the Commission a direction under section 20. Part 4A — Contracts to provide some disability services [Heading inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 15.] 26A. Terms used In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears — commencement day means the day on which the Disability Services Amendment Act 1999 comes into operation; disability service does not include a disability service provided by a carer. [Section 26A inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 16; No. 24 of 2020 s. 59.] 26B. Method of contracting to provide services for people with disability (1) If the Commission wishes to contract with a service provider to provide disability services on behalf of the Commission, the Commission is to apply to the Minister for approval of the means of procuring the services. (2) If approval is sought under subsection (1), the Minister may direct — (a) that the services be procured by means of a tender; or (b) that the Commission by public notice invite expressions of interest from service providers for the provision of the services; or (c) that the Commission enter into negotiations with a service provider for the provision of the services. (2A) Any such tender, expression of interest or negotiation must be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2020 and the procurement directions under that Act. (3) The Commission may renew a contract, including a contract by way of renewal under this subsection — (a) for the type of service referred to in subsection (1) entered into before the commencement day; or (b) entered into under this section, without complying with this section. [Section 26B inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 17; No. 24 of 2020 s. 60.] 26C. Assignment of benefit of contract (1) A person who after the commencement day has entered into a contract with the Commission for the provision of a disability service may not assign the benefit of that contract without the consent of the Commission. (2) When the benefit of a contract is assigned, the assignee is bound, by force of this subsection, to perform the obligations which the assignor was bound under the contract to perform. (3) Any purported assignment in contravention of this section is void. [Section 26C inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 12; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 18.] Part 4B — Trial of disability services model [Heading inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.] 26D. Purpose of this Part The purpose of this Part is to facilitate the trial in WA of a model for providing disability services, in order to enable the comparison of the model to the National Disability Insurance Scheme model. [Section 26D inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.] 26E. Terms used In this Part — National Disability Insurance Scheme has the meaning given in the NDIS Act section 9; NDIS Act means the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Commonwealth); participant means a participant in a trial; trial means a trial conducted by the Commission under section 26G(1). [Section 26E inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.] 26F. Effect of certain terms in the NDIS Act When the Commission is assessing whether or not a criterion or requirement in the NDIS Act has been met for the purposes of this Part, a reference in the NDIS Act to a term listed in the Table is to be read as if it were a reference to the corresponding term. Table NDIS Act term Corresponding term CEO Commission National Disability Insurance Scheme this Act National Disability Insurance Scheme rules regulations made under this Act [Section 26F inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.] 26G. Trial of disability services model (1) The Commission may, in one or more areas prescribed by the regulations, conduct a trial of a model for providing disability services that meets the objectives set out in subsection (2). (2) The objectives of the model include — (a) providing people with disability with reasonable and necessary supports; and (b) enabling people with disability to exercise choice and control in the pursuit of their goals and the planning and delivery of their supports. (3) The regulations may prescribe one or more periods during which a trial is to be conducted. [Section 26G inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.] 26H. Trial participants (1) The Commission must ensure that a person does not participate in a trial unless the Commission is satisfied that at the time the person becomes a participant — (a) either — (i) the person has not reached 65 years of age; or (ii) the person belongs to a class of persons approved by the Commission for the purposes of this paragraph; and (b) the person meets the residence requirements in the NDIS Act section 23(1)(a) and (b); and (c) either — (i) the person meets the disability requirements in the NDIS Act section 24; or (ii) the person meets the early intervention requirements in the NDIS Act section 25; and (d) the person meets any other requirement prescribed by the regulations. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), in deciding whether or not a person meets the residence requirement in the NDIS Act section 23(1)(a), the Commission must have regard to the matters set out in the NDIS Act section 23(2). [Section 26H inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.] 26I. Reasonable and necessary supports for participants (1) In this section — plan, in relation to a participant, means the plan for the participant that is prepared in accordance with the Commission's requirements; support means — (a) financial assistance granted under section 24; or (b) a disability service provided by the Commission. (2) Before providing support to, or in relation to, a participant, the Commission must be satisfied that — (a) the support will assist the participant to pursue the goals, objectives and aspirations set out in the participant's plan; and (b) the support meets the criteria set out in the NDIS Act section 34(1)(b) to (f). [Section 26I inserted: No. 10 of 2014 s. 4.] Part 5 — Disability access and inclusion plans by public authorities [Heading amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 19.] 27. Application of Part (1) This Part applies to public authorities. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), regulations may declare that this Part does not apply to a specified public authority. 28. Disability access and inclusion plans (1) Each public authority must have a disability access and inclusion plan to ensure that in so far as its functions involve dealings with the general public, the performance of those functions furthers the principles in Schedule 1 and meets the objectives in Schedule 2. (2) A disability access and inclusion plan must meet any prescribed standards. (3) A public authority must lodge its disability access and inclusion plan with the Commission — (a) if the authority was established before the commencement of the Disability Services Amendment Act 2004, without delay; (b) if the authority is established after the commencement of the Disability Services Amendment Act 2004, within 12 months after the day on which it is established. (4) A public authority may amend its disability access and inclusion plan at any time. (5) A public authority may review its disability access and inclusion plan at any time. (6) After reviewing its disability access and inclusion plan, a public authority must lodge a report of the review with the Commission in accordance with subsection (7). (7) Not more than 5 years is to elapse — (a) between the day on which a public authority first lodges its disability access and inclusion plan with the Commission and the day it lodges a report of a review of the plan with the Commission; or (b) between the lodgment of the report of one review of a plan and the lodgment of the report of another review of the plan. (8) After reviewing its disability access and inclusion plan, a public authority may amend the plan or prepare a new plan. (9) If at any time a public authority amends its disability access and inclusion plan or prepares a new plan, whether after a review or not, it must lodge the amended or new plan with the Commission as soon as practicable after doing so. (10) A public authority must undertake public consultation in accordance with the procedure specified in the regulations when preparing, reviewing or amending a disability access and inclusion plan. [Section 28 inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 20(1).] 29. Report about disability access and inclusion plan (1) A public authority that has a disability access and inclusion plan must, if required to report under Part 5 of the Financial Management Act 2006, include in such report, a report about the implementation of the plan. (2) A local government or regional local government that has a disability access and inclusion plan must include in its annual report prepared under section 5.53 of the Local Government Act 1995 a report about the implementation of the plan. (3) A public authority that — (a) has prepared or amended a disability access and inclusion plan in a year ending 30 June; and (b) is not required to report under subsection (1) or (2), must make a report about the implementation of the plan to the Commission within 2 months after the end of that year. (4) The regulations may prescribe information that must be included in a report under subsection (1), (2) or (3) about the implementation of a disability access and inclusion plan. [Section 29 inserted: No. 44 of 1999 s. 14; amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 21; No. 5 of 2005 s. 38; No. 77 of 2006 Sch. 1 cl. 45(4).] 29A. Disability access and inclusion plans to be made available A public authority that has a disability access and inclusion plan must ensure that the plan is made available to people with disability, and the public generally, by publication in the prescribed manner. [Section 29A inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 22; amended: No. 40 of 2012 s. 10.] 29B. Public authorities to ensure implementation of disability access and inclusion plan A public authority that has a disability access and inclusion plan must take all practicable measures to ensure that the plan is implemented by the public authority and its officers, employees, agents or contractors. [Section 29B inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 22.] 29C. Annual report by Commission about plans (1) As soon as practicable after each 1 July the Commission must give the Minister a report on the effectiveness of disability access and inclusion plans, and the extent to which they have been complied with, during the year that ended on the preceding 30 June. (2) The Minister must cause the report received under subsection (1) to be laid before each House of Parliament within 14 sitting days after the Minister receives it. [Section 29C inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 22.] Part 6 — Complaints about some disability services and resident services [Heading amended: No. 57 of 2004 s. 23; No. 4 of 2015 s. 73.] Division 1 — Preliminary 30. Terms used In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears — Carers Charter has the meaning given to that term in section 5 of the Carers Recognition Act 2004; complaint means a complaint under Division 2; Complaints Office means the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office continued by section 6(1) of the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995; declared place means a declared place as defined in the Declared Places Act section 3; disability service has the meaning given by section 3 but does not include — (a) such a service where it is provided wholly or partly from funds provided by the Health Department; or (aa) such a service where it is provided wholly from funds paid to the service provider by the Commonwealth of Australia; or (ab) such a service where it is provided by a carer; or (b) such a service where it is prescribed by regulation; Health Department has the meaning given to Department by section 3 of the Health Legislation Administration Act 1984; member of the staff has the meaning given to that term by section 3(1) of the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995; representative, in relation to a person with a disability, means the person's representative recognised under section 32(2); resident service means any of the following — (a) the operation, control, management and ensuring of the security and good order of a declared place; (b) any service related to a matter mentioned in paragraph (a); (c) providing for the care, protection and safety of residents; (d) providing programmes for, and other training of, residents; (e) any other service that the Declared Places Act requires to be provided to residents, but does not include an advocacy service for a resident or a service prescribed by regulation; respondent means a person about whom or which a complaint is made; service provider, in relation to the provision of a resident service, means — (a) the Commission; or (b) a contractor or subcontractor as defined in the Declared Places Act section 3; or (c) any other person that renders or provides resident services, but does not include a service prescribed by regulation. [Section 30 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 15; No. 37 of 2004 s. 26; No. 57 of 2004 s. 24; No. 28 of 2006 s. 158; No. 33 of 2010 s. 34; No. 4 of 2015 s. 74.] 30AA. This Part to be read with Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995 This Part is to be read with the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995. [Section 30AA inserted No. 33 of 2010 s. 35.] 30A. Functions of Director (1) The functions of the Director under this Part are as follows — (a) to deal with complaints in accordance with this Part; (b) in collaboration with groups of service providers or groups of persons to whom disability services are provided or both, to review and identify the causes of complaints, and to suggest ways of removing and minimising those causes and bringing them to the notice of the public; (c) to take steps to bring to the notice of people with disability and service providers details of procedures for making complaints under this Act; (d) to assist service providers in developing and improving procedures for making complaints and the training of staff in handling complaints; (e) with the approval of the Minister, to inquire into broader issues of the care of people with disability arising out of complaints received; (f) subject to subsection (2), to cause information about the work of the Complaints Office to be published from time to time; (g) to provide advice generally on any matter relating to complaints under this Act, and in particular — (i) advice to people with disability on the making of complaints; and (ii) advice to people with disability as to other avenues available for dealing with complaints; and (iii) advice about removing or minimising the causes of complaints. (2) The function of the Director under subsection (1)(f) does not include the publication of information in a form that — (a) discloses the identity of a person with disability involved in a complaint; or (b) might enable the identity of any such person to be ascertained, but nothing in this subsection affects the operation of section 43B. [Section 30A inserted: No. 57 of 2004 s. 25; amended: No. 33 of 2010 s. 36; No. 40 of 2012 s. 11 and 24.] 31. Parties themselves may resolve complaint (1) Nothing in this Part prevents the complainant and the respondent resolving a complaint by agreement at any time, whether or not with the help of the Complaints Office, but if that occurs the complainant must notify the Director of the fact without delay. (2) When the Director becomes aware that a complaint has been resolved, he or she must stop dealing with it under this Part. [Section 31 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 37.] Division 2 — Complaints and conciliation 32. Who may complain (1) A complaint about a person referred to in section 33(1) or (3) alleging one or more of the matters set out in section 33(2) or (4) may be made to the Director — (a) personally by a person with disability; or (b) on behalf of a person with disability, by a person who under subsection (2) is recognised as the person's representative; or (c) by 2 or more persons — (i) on their own behalf; or (ii) on behalf of themselves and another person or other persons. (2A) A complaint may be made to the Director under this section by a professional registration Board where that Board becomes aware of one or more of the matters set out in section 33(2) in relation to a member of its profession. (2) The Director may recognise as a representative of a person with disability — (a) a person chosen as such by the person with disability; or (b) a person not chosen by the person with disability if, in the Director's opinion — (i) the person with disability is unable personally to complain and is unable personally to choose a person to be his or her representative; and (ii) the prospective representative is a person who has a sufficient interest in the subject matter of the complaint; or (c) a person not chosen by the person with disability if — (i) the person with disability has died; and (ii) in the Director's opinion, the prospective representative is a person who has a sufficient interest in the subject matter of the complaint. (3) A person who is related (by blood or marriage) to, or is in a de facto relationship with, a person with disability may be his or her representative. (4) A complaint alleging the matter set out in section 33(2)(f) may be made to the Director by a carer about a person who — (a) is referred to in section 33(1); and (b) is an applicable organisation as defined in section 4 of the Carers Recognition Act 2004. [Section 32 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22 and 23; No. 37 of 2004 s. 27; No. 33 of 2010 s. 38; No. 40 of 2012 s. 12 and 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 75.] 33. Who and what can be complained about (1) A complaint may be about — (a) a service provider who or which, at the time the subject matter of the complaint arose, was providing a disability service, whether or not with funds granted under Part 4; or (b) a service provider which is a public authority, other than the Health Department, and which, at the time the subject matter of the complaint arose, was providing a disability service, whether or not with funds granted under Part 4; or (c) the Commission. (2) A complaint made under subsection (1) must allege that after the date on which this Act comes into operation, a service provider or the Commission — (a) acted unreasonably by not providing a disability service to the complainant; or (b) acted unreasonably by providing a disability service to the complainant, whether the service was requested by the complainant or a third party; or (c) acted unreasonably in the manner of providing a disability service to the complainant; or (d) acted unreasonably by denying or restricting the complainant's access to records relating to the complainant kept by the service provider or the Commission; or (e) acted unreasonably in disclosing records or confidential information relating to the complainant; or (f) failed to comply with the Carers Charter; or (ga) failed to comply with the Disability Services Standards, or failed to ensure that those standards were met by service providers; or (g) in respect of a complaint about a matter mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) made to the provider or Commission by a person with disability, acted unreasonably by — (i) not properly investigating the complaint or causing it to be properly investigated; or (ii) not taking, or causing to be taken, proper action on the complaint; or (h) acted unreasonably by charging the complainant an excessive fee; or (i) acted unreasonably with respect to a fee, or that the Commission acted unreasonably in making or not making a grant to the complainant under Part 4. (3) A complaint may be made about a service provider that, at the time the subject matter of the complaint arose, was providing or was required to provide a resident service. (4) A complaint made under subsection (3) may allege only that the service provider — (a) acted unreasonably by not providing a resident service to the complainant; or (b) acted unreasonably by providing a resident service to the complainant, whether the service was requested by the complainant or a third party; or (c) acted unreasonably in the manner of providing a resident service to the complainant; or (d) acted unreasonably by denying or restricting the complainant's access to records relating to the complainant kept by the service provider; or (e) acted unreasonably in disclosing records or confidential information relating to the complainant; or (f) failed to have regard to the principles set out in the Declared Places Act section 5(1) to (3) as required by section 5(4) of that Act; or (g) failed to have regard to the objectives set out in the Declared Places Act section 6(1) to (7) as required by section 6(8) of that Act; or (h) failed to comply with the Carers Charter; or (i) in respect of a complaint about a matter mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) made to the service provider by a resident, acted unreasonably by — (i) not properly investigating the complaint or not causing it to be properly investigated; or (ii) not taking, or not causing to be taken, proper action in relation to the complaint; or (j) failed to give an explanation as required under the Declared Places Act section 8(1), (2) or (3) or failed to give an explanation in the manner required by section 8(4) of that Act; or (k) acted unreasonably in the making of an order under the Declared Places Act section 10(1) or (4); or (l) acted unreasonably in relation to the regulated behaviour management, as defined in the Declared Places Act section 3, of a resident. [Section 33 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 16; No. 37 of 2004 s. 28; No. 33 of 2010 s. 39; No. 40 of 2012 s. 13 and 24; No. 4 of 2015 s. 76.] 33A. Health services complaints A complaint cannot be made under this Act about a matter if a complaint about that matter could be made under Part 3 of the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995. [Section 33A inserted: No. 75 of 1995 s. 80(2); amended: No. 33 of 2010 s. 40.] 34. Time for complaining The Director must reject a complaint the subject matter of which occurred more than 24 months before the complaint is made unless, in the Director's opinion, the complainant has shown good reason for the delay. [Section 34 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 17, 22 and 23.] 35. How to complain (1) A person may complain to the Director orally, including by telephone, or in writing. (2) If the Director receives an oral complaint the Director must require the complainant to confirm it in writing unless the complainant satisfies the Director that there is good reason why the complaint should not be confirmed in writing. (3) The Director must require a complainant to give his or her name and may require the complainant to give other information relating to the complainant's identity. (4) The Director may require a complainant to give more information about the complaint within a time fixed by the Director. (5) If a complainant does not comply with a requirement of the Director under subsection (2), (3) or (4), the Director may reject the complaint. [Section 35 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22.] 36. Withdrawal of complaint A complainant may at any time withdraw the complaint by notifying the Director and the Director must then — (a) stop dealing with the complaint; and (b) if details have been given under section 37(3), notify the respondent of the withdrawal; and (c) if the complaint has been referred under section 38(4), notify the person to whom it has been referred. [Section 36 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 41.] 37. Preliminary decision by Director (1) Within 28 days after receiving a complaint the Director must decide whether, and to what extent — (a) to accept it; or (b) to reject, defer or refer it under section 38, but the Director may extend the 28 day period for a further period not exceeding 28 days if it is for the benefit of the complainant to do so. (2) To enable the Director to make a decision under subsection (1) the Director may make such inquiries as the Director considers appropriate. (3) Within 14 days after making a decision under subsection (1), the Director must — (a) if the complaint is rejected — give to the complainant written details of the decision; or (b) if the complaint is deferred or referred — (i) give to the complainant — written details of the decision; and (ii) give to the respondent — written details of the complaint and of the decision; or (c) if the complaint is accepted — (i) give to the complainant — written details of the decision and of the arrangements made for conciliation discussions between the complainant and the respondent; and (ii) give to the respondent — written details of the complaint, of the decision, and of the arrangements made for conciliation discussions between the complainant and the respondent and a written statement that the respondent may make submissions to the Director. (4A) If under subsection (1) a complaint is accepted, the Director may give the respondent a written notice requiring the respondent to give the Director a written response to the complaint in accordance with section 39A. (4B) If under subsection (1) a complaint is accepted, the Director must then — (a) attempt to settle it in accordance with section 39B; or (b) refer it for conciliation under section 39 if the Director is of the opinion it is suitable to be dealt with under that section; or (c) investigate it if the Director is of the opinion that — (i) it is not suitable to be dealt with under either section 39B or 39; and (ii) an investigation is warranted, taking into account the likely costs and benefits of the investigation. (4) If the Director considers that on account of particular circumstances the disclosure of the complainant's identity — (a) may result in the health, safety or welfare of the complainant being put at risk; or (b) would prejudice the proper investigation of the complaint, the Director, in giving written details under subsection (3)(b) or (c), is not to disclose the identity of the complainant. (5) Where the Director has acted under subsection (4), the Director must disclose the identity of the complainant to the respondent if the Director later becomes satisfied that the circumstances described under that subsection no longer apply. (6) If the Director decides that a complaint is not suitable to be dealt with under either section 39B or 39 and does not warrant investigating, the Director must advise the complainant in writing of the decision and that the Director will take no further action on the complaint. (7) While performing functions under this section in relation to a complaint, the Director must not try to settle the complaint. [Section 37 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22; No. 33 of 2010 s. 42.] 38. Rejection, deferral or referral of complaints (1) The Director must reject a complaint that in the Director's opinion — (a) is vexatious, trivial or without substance; or (b) does not warrant any further action; or (c) does not comply with this Part. (2A) The Director may reject a complaint if, in the Director's opinion, the complainant has not taken reasonable steps to resolve the matter with the respondent. (2) If an issue raised in a complaint has already been dealt with under another written law or a law of the Commonwealth or by a court, the Director must reject the complaint to the extent to which it relates to that issue. (3) If an issue raised in a complaint is being dealt with under another written law or a law of the Commonwealth or by a court, the Director must defer dealing with the complaint to the extent to which it relates to that issue. (4) If a complaint raises issues that in the opinion of the Director would be better dealt with under another written law, the Director may, with the written consent of the complainant, refer the complaint to the appropriate person to be dealt with under that other written law, but the Director may not refer a complaint to a court. (5) If a complaint raises issues that in the opinion of the Director would be better dealt with by a professional registration Board, the Director may, with the written consent of the complainant, refer the complaint to the appropriate Board to be dealt with by that Board's disciplinary powers. [Section 38 amended: No. 44 of 1999 s. 22 and 23; No. 40 of 2012 s. 14; No. 4 of 2015 s. 77.] 39A. Response by respondent (1) A respondent who is given a notice under section 37(3)(c) may give the Director a written response to the complaint concerned. (2) A respondent who is given a notice under section 37(4A) must give the Director a written response to the complaint concerned. (3) Any response given under subsection (1) or (2) must be given to the Director within 28 days, or any longer period allowed under subsection (4), after the date on which the provider receives a notice given under section 37(3)(c) or (4A), as the case requires. (4) The Director may extend that 28 day period for good reason. (5) If a respondent does not comply with subsection (2), the Director may nevertheless deal with the complaint under this Part. (6) A respondent who does not comply with subsection (2) does not commit an offence. (7) The Director must include in the annual report of the Complaints Office required by the Financial Management Act 2006 Part 5 the details of any breach of subsection (2) that, in the Director's opinion, was committed without a reasonable excuse. (8) Evidence of anything said in a response given by a respondent under this section is not admissible in proceedings before a court or tribunal. (9) Despite the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 section 20(3), evidence referred to in subsection (8) may be disclosed to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations for the purposes of an investigation under that Act. [Section 39A inserted: No. 33 of 2010 s. 43.] 39B. Resolving complaints by negotiation (1) Having accepted a complaint and complied with section 37(3)(c), the Director may, by negotiating with the complainant and the respondent, attempt to bring about a settlement of the complaint that is acceptable to the parties to it. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1) the Director may make any inquiries the Director considers appropriate. (3) If within 56 days, or any longer period allowed under subsection (4), after the date of complying with section 37(3)(c) the complaint has not been settled under subsection (1), the Director must — (a) refer it for conciliation under section 39 if the Director is of the opinion it is suitable to be dealt with under that section; or (b) investigate it if the Director is of the opinion that — (i) it is not suitable to be dealt with under section 39; and (ii) an investigation is warranted, taking into account the likely costs and benefits of the investigation. (4) The Director may extend that 56 day period if it is for the benefit of the complainant to do so. (5) If the Director decides a complaint is not suitable to be dealt with under section 39 and does not warrant investigating, the Director must advise the complainant in writing of the decision and that the Director will take no further action on the complaint. (6) Evidence of anything said or admitted during any negotiation conducted under subsection (1) is not admissible in proceedings before a court or tribunal. (7) Despite the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 section 20(3), evidence referred to in subsection (6) may be disclosed to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administrative Investigations for the purposes of an investigation under that Act. [Section 39B inserted: No. 33 of 2010 s. 43.] 39. Conciliation of complaints (1) On referring a complaint for conciliation the Director must assign the task of conciliating the complaint to a member of the staff whose duti