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Source: Office of the Victorian Minister for Community Services, Hon. Gavin Jennings Media release From the Minister for Community Services Tuesday, 3 April 2007 The Community Services Minister, Gavin Jennings, today appointed Mr Laurie Harkin as Victoria’s first Disability Services Commissioner. “The Disability Services Commissioner will be a strong, independent voice to promote and protect the rights of people requiring these services,” Mr Jennings said. “The Disability Services Commissioner will also have the power to conciliate and investigate any complaints and make recommendations to ensure the best quality disability services.”
Mr Jennings said Mr Harkin, currently a senior executive within the Department of Human Services, had the experience, expertise and commitment to make an excellent Disability Services Commissioner. “Mr Harkin has an outstanding record in serving the community,” Mr Jennings said. “He brings to the office wide experience gained over three decades as a senior executive in government, non-government, local government and the private sector.” Mr Jennings said the Disability Services Commissioner role had been created as part of major reforms to disability services. “All service providers must have clear, accessible and well-documented complaints management and resolution processes in place from 1 July to comply with the Disability Act 2006,” he said. “Disability service providers must then report annually to the Disability Services Commissioner on the number of complaints they have received and how these complaints have been resolved. “The Commissioner will ensure that all disability service providers manage and resolve any complaints they receive appropriately as well as looking into complaints about disability services as required.” Mr Harkin has held senior roles within the Salvation Army, Glen Eira City Council and community service organisations as well as the Department of Human Services. He will take up the role of Disability Services Commissioner with immediate effect.
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