Rights and Responsibilities of Participants

1. Purpose and Scope

Hausmate Pty Ltd (ABN: XX XXX XXX XXX) is committed to delivering NDIS supports that uphold the legal rights, dignity, and wellbeing of every participant. This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and volunteers involved in the delivery of services on behalf of Hausmate.

This policy is informed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), the NDIS Code of Conduct, the NDIS Practice Standards, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

2. Participant Rights

Every participant supported by Hausmate has the right to:

• Choice and control — make decisions about the supports they receive, who delivers them, and how they are delivered
• Dignity and respect — be treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect at all times, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence
• Privacy and confidentiality — have their personal information collected, used, and disclosed only in accordance with applicable privacy laws and with their informed consent
• Quality supports — receive safe, competent, and appropriate supports that meet the NDIS Practice Standards
• Accessible information — receive information in a format they can understand, including plain English, Easy Read, or with the support of an interpreter or advocate
• Complaint and feedback — raise concerns, provide feedback, and make formal complaints without fear of reprisal or negative impact on their supports
• Cultural safety — have their cultural, linguistic, and religious identity respected and accommodated
• Safety — receive supports in an environment free from risk of harm

3. Rights in Practice

Informed Consent

Before commencing any service, Hausmate will ensure each participant has provided informed consent. Consent must be:

• Voluntary — given freely without coercion or pressure
• Informed — based on full and accurate information about the support being provided
• Specific — given for each type of support or disclosure
• Current — able to be withdrawn at any time without penalty

Decision-Making Support

Where a participant requires assistance to make or communicate decisions, Hausmate will support their decision-making rather than substitute it. This includes working with the participant's nominee, guardian, or support coordinator where appropriate, and always in the participant's best interests.

4. Participant Responsibilities

To support the delivery of safe and effective services, participants and their representatives are asked to:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information about their NDIS plan, health, and support needs
• Treat Hausmate staff with courtesy and respect, free from abuse, discrimination, or harassment
• Notify Hausmate as early as possible if they need to cancel or reschedule a service (refer to the cancellation policy in the Service Agreement)
• Ensure the service environment is reasonably safe for staff to work in
• Advise Hausmate of any changes to their circumstances that may affect service delivery
• Engage honestly and in good faith in the service delivery relationship

5. Our Responsibilities

Hausmate commits to:

• Delivering supports in accordance with the participant's NDIS plan and agreed Service Agreement
• Maintaining current NDIS registration and complying with all NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
• Ensuring all staff hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check and have completed relevant induction and training
• Providing a clear and accessible complaints process
• Conducting regular quality reviews of service delivery
• Reporting all reportable incidents to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission within required timeframes

6. Advocacy and Support

Participants have the right to involve an advocate, carer, family member, or support coordinator in any interaction with Hausmate. Hausmate staff will welcome and respect the involvement of third parties as directed by the participant.

If a participant wishes to access an independent advocate, they may contact:

• National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) — www.dss.gov.au/ndap
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission — 1800 035 544

7. Breach of Rights

Any staff member found to have breached a participant's rights will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. Serious breaches will be reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and/or relevant law enforcement authorities.

Participants who believe their rights have been breached may make a complaint to Hausmate directly, or escalate to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission at any time.