Terms of Reference

The purpose, intent and adequacy of the Disability Support Pension (DSP), with specific reference to:

  1. the purpose of the DSP;
  2. the DSP eligibility criteria, assessment and determination, including the need for health assessments and medical evidence and the right to review and appeal;
  3. the impact of geography, age and other characteristics on the number of people receiving the DSP;
  4. the impact of the DSP on a disabled person’s ability to find long term, sustainable and appropriate, employment within the open labour market;
  5. the capacity of the DSP to support persons with disabilities, chronic conditions and ill health, including its capacity to facilitate and support labour market participation where appropriate;
  6. discrimination within the labour market and its impact on employment, unemployment and underemployment of persons with disabilities and their support networks;
  7. the adequacy of the DSP and whether it allows people to maintain an acceptable standard of living in line with community expectations;
  8. the appropriateness of current arrangements for supporting disabled people experiencing insecure employment, inconsistent employment, precarious hours in the workforce; and inequitable workplace practices;
  9. the economic benefits of improved income support payments and supports for persons with disabilities, their immediate households and broader support services and networks;
  10. the relative merits of alternative investments in other programs to improve the standard of living of persons with disabilities; and
  11. any related matters.

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3515
community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au

Past Public Hearings

16 Nov 2021: Canberra
01 Nov 2021: Canberra
11 Oct 2021: Canberra

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Inquiry Status

Report tabled

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