National’s rushed and shoddy law-making continues as it passes the significantly flawed Disability Support Services Bill into law. 

“National has made choices that have consistently left disability communities worse off – they cannot afford another three years of being ignored and left behind,” Labour’s disability issues spokesperson Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.  

“Disabled people have made it very clear they’re exhausted by National’s rushed changes and lack of consultation, by the decades spent fighting for dignity, choice and control over their lives, and being taken backwards yet again. 

“Labour agrees that there needs to be a legislative framework for Disability Support Services funding, however what National has cobbled together will only increase uncertainty and anxiety for disabled people and carers. 

“Instead of working alongside disabled people and carers to build a system that supports independence and self-determination, National has rushed through laws that gives Ministers greater powers to determine who gets support and on what terms. 

“National is cutting everything they can get their hands on. These changes allow a future Minister to change the thresholds and lock out entire groups of disabled from accessing any funding, without proper scrutiny. Disabled people and their families have every right to be worried. 

“This is exactly why disabled people have fought for ‘nothing about us without us’. It’s shameful that National has abandoned that commitment. 

“Labour will repeal this flawed legislation and replace it with rights-based legislation that is drafted alongside disability communities,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.