Have Your Say On A Formal Legislative Framework for Disability Support Services

The content below was created by MSNZ and is being republished with their permission.

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The Government introduced the Disability Support Services Bill to Parliament on 18 May 2026 with the aim of creating a formal legislative framework for Disability Support Services (DSS) in New Zealand.

The Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Louise Upston, introduced the Bill to “provide clarity and stability to a system which supports thousands of disabled New Zealanders”. She explains that the goal of the Bill is to legislate the purpose and operating rules for DSS to “improve consistency, fairness, transparency, and sustainability”. You can read the Minister’s press release here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-strengthen-disability-support

Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, alongside many disability and carer support groups, such as CCS Disability Action, New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN), and the Carers Alliance are extremely concerned about the Bill for several reasons, including:

• The Bill minimising the role of family carers as workers, with the Minister stating “there are better ways to recognise and support carers than treating family members as state employees”.
• Before DSS is provided, the applicant must have used their family, community, and public resources (“natural supports”) first, with ‘family’ being given a very broad definition.
• The amount of details lacking in the Bill which will be left to future legislation.
• The lack of consultation with disabled people and support agencies in the creation of this framework.
   

You can read the full list of concerns of each organisation in the links below:

• NZDSN Disability Support Services Bill
• CSS Disability Action: What the new DSS Bill means for disabled people

Have your say
Feedback from you is incredibly important for shaping the future of DSS in New Zealand and we strongly encourage you to share your views. Last year, 1800 strong voices stood together to help reinstate DSS flexible funding; we now need you to have an impact on the future of DSS.

• Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand: We are collecting feedback to include in our submission to Parliament and you can share your views here: MSNZ Share Your View: DSS Bill
• NZDSN: Templates are available to make your submission easier on their website: NZDSN Make Your Voice Heard
• Parliament: Send a submission directly to the Government here.
  
  

Please note: The closing date for submissions is Friday 12 June 2026 at 1pm so get your feedback in as soon as possible.

The Bill will have long-lasting effects on disability support in New Zealand for generations to come so it is extremely important to have your say. You have the opportunity to make a difference to DSS so please seize it!