Victorian Disability Worker Commission

18/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on the progress made together to strengthen the disability sector in Victoria.

This year has been marked by collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for a safer, stronger sector for all. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to this important work.

Acting Commissioner Kate Maddern shares some of the year’s highlights in our end of year video. Click the link below to watch the video and read the transcript.

Wishing you a safe and joyful festive season, and we look forward to continuing this work together in 2026.

17 December 2025 News Acting Commissioner Kate Maddern joins VDWC staff to look back on highlights from the year in this video message.2025 was a very big year for the Commission and we are grateful to all those who joined us in working towards a safer, stronger disability sector in Victoria.Watch t...

18/12/2025

Our December 2025 eNewsletter is now out!

This month's edition includes:

-Our end of year video
-Commission opening hours over the festive season
-The latest on ASQA’s integrity action
-VALID Having a Say Conference 2026
Plus, much more.

To read it, visit our resources hub: www.vdwc.vic.gov.au/about/resources

Don't forget to subscribe at vdwc.vic.gov.au/subscribe to get it sent straight to your inbox every month!

16/12/2025

Did you know more disability workers than ever are registering to show people with disability they are safe, skilled, and professional. We saw a 22% increase in disability worker registration applications compared to 2023-24, and 82% of registered workers renewed their registration.

Registration is currently free and demonstrates your commitment to quality and safety in the sector.

For more information on disability worker registration visit https://brnw.ch/21wYpTK

11/12/2025

Under the Code of Conduct, disability workers must meet high standards of behaviour, be respectful and make sure people with disability receive services that are safe. This means having professional boundaries for relationships between disability workers and people with disability.

This case example shows what the Commission can do in response to allegations that a worker has not maintained professional boundaries.

For more information on notifications visit https://brnw.ch/21wYfWd

09/12/2025

Today is Human Rights Day.

This year’s theme, Our Everyday Essentials, reminds us that human rights shape the safety, fairness and dignity we all deserve.

People with disability are entitled to the same rights as everyone in our community. Disability worker registration helps uphold these rights by ensuring workers are independently assessed as safe and competent.

You can find our factsheet with registration information for people with disability which can be read here https://brnw.ch/21wYdDt.

08/12/2025

If you have a concern about a disability worker, we’re here for you. You can come to us at any point if you feel something isn’t right. Don’t wait until the issue is serious.

To make a complaint, you can call our friendly team on 1800 497 132 or complete our online form at https://brnw.ch/21wYbDa

For more information about making a complaint click the complaints link in our bio.

04/12/2025

This week for IDPwD, we celebrated the achievements of employees with disability across the Victorian public sector and explored ways to create more inclusive workplaces.

We attended the Victorian Public Service Enablers Network event and hosted our own Enablers Network event, where speakers shared lived experiences and ways we can remove barriers and empower everyone.

The events showcased initiatives like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand sunflower lanyard, plain language programs, and programs raising awareness of disability and neurodiversity.

We’re committed to building a safer, stronger sector and supporting people with disability every day.

02/12/2025

Today, on International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), we recognise the 5.5 million Australians with disability.

This year’s United Nations theme is ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.’

The theme means we all need to work together to make society fairer and respect the rights of people with disability.

At VDWC, we’re working to further strengthen safeguards for the disability community, raise workforce standards and improve outcomes for people with disability through our Code of Conduct, mandatory notifications, worker registration, and an independent complaints service.

You can learn more about IDPwD at https://brnw.ch/21wY1BI

01/12/2025

Looking for ways to build your skills?

Our Training & Development Catalogue is your one-stop shop with 200+ training courses for disability workers, practitioners, and employees.

The searchable catalogue also helps registered workers complete the 10 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) required to maintain registration.

Explore the catalogue by visiting https://www.vdwc.vic.gov.au/courses-overview

27/11/2025

All disability workers in Victoria must comply with the Code of Conduct.

The Code has 8 key elements focused on respect, quality, and safety.

It is designed to complement the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework to promote a safe and skilled disability workforce within Victoria.

Disability workers uncertain about an issue should talk with their supervisor, directly with their client or contact us on 1800 497 132.

For more information on the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct visit https://www.vdwc.vic.gov.au/disability-worker-code-of-conduct

26/11/2025

All people with disability have a right to be supported to realise their individual capacity for physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. They must be respected for their human worth and to be treated with dignity as individuals with choice and control.

This example highlights the importance of disability workers respecting and supporting the choices and decisions of individuals.

For more information on complaints visit https://brnw.ch/21wXPas

24/11/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth this past weekend at this year’s Melbourne Disability Expo!

Our team had a fantastic time connecting with the community, answering questions, and sharing insights about what we do.

We loved seeing so much interest in our resources and how we support safer disability services.

We look forward to doing it all again next year!

If you have any further questions or would like more information, please visit our website: https://www.vdwc.vic.gov.au/