Disability Services Commissioner, Victoria (DSC)

02/10/2026

Welcome to our new Disability Services Commissioner

The Victorian Government has appointed Dr Sarah Miller as the new Disability Services Commissioner.

Dr Miller will begin the part-time Commissioner role on 2 November 2026. She was the Coordinator-General for Mental Health and Wellbeing in the ACT and brings more than 20 years’ experience working across government, public health, justice, health and human rights sectors including with the Red Cross in Australia and internationally.

This announcement recognises the Disability Services Commissioner’s important work to resolve complaints and strengthen practice across more than 200 registered Victorian disability service providers and 21 regulated advocacy services.

Commissioner Miller is looking forward to talking to and working with people with disability, carers and families, service providers and partner regulators to improve service safeguards and outcomes.

02/10/2026

This week our office staff have seen some inspiring work on display at the Complex Needs Conference 2026 (https://www.complexneedsconference.com.au/website/93400/).

Presentations highlighted the care, attention to relationships and openness to real understanding and problem-solving that are key to providing high-quality support to people with disability and complex needs. The system challenges are great, especially in regional and remote areas, but the successes are life-changing for clients and their families.

The Disability Services Commissioner takes complaints about state-funded Forensic Disability Services and the Multiple and Complex Needs Initiative (MACNI), who also presented recent work and evaluations.

If you need to make a complaint, call 1800 677 342 or email [email protected]

24/09/2026

It is ALWAYS okay to complain. 📣

For 19 years, we have worked with the Victorian disability system so people can speak up and be heard. You have the right to a safe, high-quality experience.

We handle complaints about disability services funded by the Victorian Government (including DFFH, TAC, or WorkSafe) and DFFH-funded advocacy services.

Not sure if we can help? Don't worry! We use a 'no wrong door' approach. If it's not us, we will help you find the right place.

Ph 1800 677 342 or email [email protected]

23/09/2026

The Disability Services Commissioner recently closed out Notices of Advice issued in February 2026 to 3 regulated advocacy service providers who were also registered NDIS providers.

The providers engaged closely with the DSC and made major improvements to the way they manage conflict of interest, client intake, and staff guidance.

We encourage all providers to be transparent about any potential conflicts of interest, and provide a simple, documented conflict of interest management statement. Providers should also ensure their intake processes and staff guidance are consistent with that approach.

We also liaised with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) and encouraged providers to continue to seek their own advice on the NDIS Commission’s requirements for the provision of independent advocacy, in line with the NDIS Service Provision vs Independent Advocacy – what’s the difference? guidance material https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/media-centre/ndis-service-provision-vs-independent-advocacy-whats-difference

To learn more about the Notice of Advice visit our website: Notice of Advice - Disability Services Commissioner https://odsc.vic.gov.au/2026/09/23/notice-of-advice-update-review-closed/

17/04/2026

An opportunity to contribute

Have your say on the next State Disability Plan and the next Victorian Autism Plan! 📢

The goal is to work towards a more inclusive, accessible, and fair Victoria.

The Victorian Government wants to hear from people with disability, Autistic people, families, carers, allies and advocates about their views and ideas for the next plan.

Want to be involved? You can:

🟣 take part in a face-to-face workshop or online forum
🟣 take part in an online survey
🟣 share feedback and ideas on Engage Victoria
🟣 send a voice or video recording to [email protected]
🟣 mail a picture, document or recording with your ideas to Office for Disability, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

While consultation on the new state disability and autism plans is happening together, they are separate plans.

For more details on how to take part, visit:
https://engage.vic.gov.au/disabilityplan

07/04/2026

This is a great example of a disability service provider clearly explaining the way they see complaints:
"We believe that one of the best ways to improving our quality of care is by listening to you. Your feedback is important to us."