New Zealand’s Disability Support Services Bill Faces Scrutiny Over a Compressed Parliamentary Process

On Monday 18 May 2026 the Government introduced the Disability Support Services Bill, with its first reading set for Thursday 21 May. Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston announced a Select Committee period of just under three months—about half the usual six-month timeframe—leaving a three-week public submission window from 12 June to 3 July and a report due on 13 August 2026.

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

Disability Support Services (DSS) currently operate without a dedicated legislative foundation, a gap highlighted after a December Supreme Court decision concerning paid family care. The 2024 Independent Review and the “Enabling Good Lives” initiative have driven recent reforms, including a nationally consistent assessment process and flexible funding introduced in April 2026.

Disability support Bill introduced to Parliament

• Louise Upston (Minister for Disability Issues) – frames the Bill as providing “clarity, stability, consistency, fairness, transparency and sustainability.”

Disability support Bill introduced to Parliament

• Debbie Hughes, CEO of the New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) – warns the compressed timetable threatens meaningful participation.

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• Richard Benge, Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa – argues the Bill re-characterises support as a “contribution” rather than a right.

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• Kahurangi Carter, Green Party Disability Spokesperson – condemns the lack of consultation and calls for an extended, accessible process.

Gov't Pushes Disability Bill, Excludes Disabled Voices

• 18 May 2026 – Bill announced and tabled.

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

• 21 May 2026 – First reading.

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

• ?12 June 2026 – Submissions open (?3 weeks).

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

• 13 August 2026 – Select Committee report to Parliament.

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

• Post-report – Referral to the Social Services and Community Committee.

Disability support Bill introduced to Parliament

The DSS system currently supports around 55,000 disabled people in community and residential settings, about 100,000 users of environmental support services, and 26,000 disabled children each year through Child Development Services.

Disability support Bill introduced to ParliamentGov't Pushes Disability Bill, Excludes Disabled VoicesScoopScoopDisability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

Upston stated the Bill “does not change existing services, funding allocations, or who can receive disability support services,” and that “eligible disabled people, their whanau and carers will continue to receive the support they rely on.” She added that the legislation “responds to the Supreme Court decision” and will “recognise and support carers” through forthcoming consultations.

Disability support Bill introduced to ParliamentScoopScoopDisability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSNGov't Pushes Disability Bill, Excludes Disabled Voices

NZDSN contends that “time is one of the most important reasonable accommodations” and that the rapid schedule “significantly compounds” barriers such as communication, transport, fatigue, and digital access. Arts Access Aotearoa warns the Bill grants the Minister sweeping powers to impose means testing and to require exhausted alternative supports before DSS can be accessed. The Green Party notes that disability groups were briefed only “around 30 minutes before it became public,” calling the process “not good lawmaking” and urging accessible submission formats, live captioning, and voice-recorded evidence.

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

While the Minister asserts no immediate changes to funding or service delivery, critics argue the Bill will “reverse flexibility around funding,” introduce means testing, and potentially void existing court cases. The Bill’s text does not reference the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) or Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a point highlighted by Arts Access Aotearoa.

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• “We’re calling on the Government to urgently extend the Select Committee process for the Disability Support Services Bill so disabled people, whanau and the wider disability sector have a genuine and accessible opportunity to participate,” — Debbie Hughes, CEO, NZDSN

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

• “This is an extraordinarily compressed process for legislation affecting potentially hundreds of thousands of disabled people,” — Debbie Hughes, NZDSN

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN

• “This Bill frames disability support as merely a ‘contribution’ towards an ‘everyday life’rather than a right as outlined in the Convention on the Rightsof Personswith Disabilities(UNCRPD),to which New Zealand is a signatory,” — Richard Benge, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa

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• “Nothing about us without us is supposed to mean something in Aotearoa. Instead, disabled people were blindsided,” — Kahurangi Carter, Green Party Disability Spokesperson

Gov't Pushes Disability Bill, Excludes Disabled Voices

The Select Committee stage offers a critical window for submissions. Advocacy groups are urging the Government to extend the timeframe, provide Easy-Read and plain-language materials, NZSL interpreters, large-print and Braille options, and alternative submission formats. The Committee’s report on 13 August 2026 will determine whether the Bill proceeds to its second reading or requires amendment.

Disability Support Services Bill Select Committee process not accessible for disabled people – New Zealand Disability Support Network – NZDSN