Expanded visitor program to protect more South Australians with disability

On International Day of People with Disability, and in line with the United Nations’ 2025 theme, Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress, the SA Government is strengthening measures for the safeguarding and oversight of people with disability by broadening the scope of the Community Visitor Scheme (CVS) to include wellbeing checks on those who receive supports and services in non-government or private homes.

New regulations have been introduced under the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 to expand the coverage of the Community Visitor Scheme. These changes are due to commence in 2026.

This step also responds to observations made by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability and the Independent Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme about South Australia’s CVS coverage.

Expanding the scheme to non-government and private homes

Currently, South Australian Community Visitors are only able to visit people with disability who either live in state government-run disability services or are under the guardianship of the Public Advocate. Under the new arrangements, people with disability living in non-government or private homes will be able to opt in to the scheme for visits.

Community Visitors play an important role in supporting people living with disability to live safely in community by visiting people in their homes and observing and discussing their wellbeing. They are also empowered to refer matters of concern to the Minister or other oversight bodies.

South Australia’s Community Visitors are unpaid volunteers who are appointed for three years and given extensive training and guidance by the Principal Community Visitor and her staff.

Apply to become a Community Visitor

Learn more about the CVS, and how to apply to be considered for a volunteer role.