There has been a growing trend over the last couple of decades, with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (and its predecessors) building housing and leasing it out to disability services providers.  

While the National Construction Code would suggest that such properties should be classified as Class 3 (hostels) or Class 9c (residential care), often they are being built as Class 1a (single detached dwelling) or Class 1b (boarding house) buildings.  

Such properties would be fine for disabled residents who are capable of self-care, but often they are used for people who need full-time support.  

Unfortunately, these Class 1a and 1b buildings have inadequate fire protection to cater for people who require assistance for their daily care.  

The use of these building classes for disability care is placing individuals at risk and potentially breaching the requirements of providers under NDIS rules.  

In this seminar, we will explore current approaches to home care and recommend changes that should be considered to protect people with disabilities