Policy Submission: Review of the Health and Community Services Complaints Act 2004

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JFA Purple Orange submitted this Policy Paper in 2008 to SA Health through the Health and Community Services Complaints (HCSC) Act Review about ways in which the functions and powers of the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC) can be further enhanced in support of people living with disability and living in supported accommodation.

Recommendations

Purple Orange reccommends the State Government of South Australia extend the functions of the Office of the HCSCC to include an Official Community Visitors Scheme that through a schedule of active, ‘no-notice’ visiting of service venues:

• Increases the likelihood that complaints are gathered from people who might otherwise stay silent for reasons of fear, lack of information, lack of technology, or other circumstances
• Ensures that such complaints are followed up in ways that bring good resolution without adding to the complainant’s vulnerability, especially in respect of retribution
• Identifies through first-hand observation by Official Community Visitors, any service issues that need to be addressed in order to assure quality and safety.