A Labour Government will repeal the Government’s Disability Support Services Bill, replacing it with legislation developed alongside disabled people that protects their rights, independence and choice.

“This Bill is an attack on the rights, independence, and dignity of disabled people and carers, and will place greater financial pressure on households,” Labour’s disability issues spokesperson Priyanca Radhakrishnan said. 

“Disability communities have long fought for self-determination through the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’, and it is hugely disappointing to see the Government do the exact opposite again.

“This Bill ignores the reality many families face, while stripping disabled people of the choice and control they deserve. It also ignores complex circumstances, including abusive situations, potentially locking disabled people into unsafe arrangements.  

“It also hands the Minister sweeping powers to cut disability support without proper safeguards, consultation or transparency. New Zealanders have already seen the harm those decisions can cause, and it should never be allowed to happen again.

“Labour has heard the message from disability communities loud and clear. We will repeal this Bill and work with disabled people and carers to replace it with legislation that delivers the certainty, dignity, and independence they deserve,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.