About the Human Services Regulator Unit
The Human Services Regulator Unit is responsible for leading and implementing the regulatory role of the department’s Secretary arising from the:
- Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010
- Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 – including the Victorian Carer Register
- Disability Act 2006
- Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005
In addition, the Human Services Regulator Unit is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Human Services Standards and related independent review processes for department funded family violence and homelessness services.
The current Director of the Human Services Regulator Unit is Anthony Kolmus. The unit sits within the Health and Human Services Regulation and Reform branch, Regulation Health Protection and Emergency Management division of the department.
The Human Services Regulator unit has 3 teams:
- Child Safeguarding Regulations
- Standards and Regulation (including Supported Residential Services Regulations)
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement.
What we do
Our primary aim is to protect the safety, wellbeing and human rights of people who receive services bound by the following regulatory schemes:
- Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme (available on the department's Providers website)
- Victorian Carer Register (including section 81/82 Reports of Abuse and independent investigations) (available on the department's Providers website)
- Human Services Standards (available on the department's Providers website)
- Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Regulations 2012.
The Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement team enables the Human Services Regulator to deliver a state-wide regulatory compliance and enforcement program by:
- Conducting regular inspections of supported residential services and investigating matters of concern relating to other sectors
- Responding to notifications and monitoring risk
- Making certain that regulated entities meet legislative requirements and, as relevant, imposing appropriate sanctions.
Our approach
The Human Services Regulator Unit uses an evidence-led, risk-based approach to regulating in-scope organisations. We are collaborative, consistent, efficient, outcomes-focused, proportionate and transparent.
The Human Services Regulator works closely with peak bodies and other regulators to ensure that services are delivered safely across a range of sectors. These stakeholders include:
- Commission for Children and Young People
- Disability Services Commissioner
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Office of the Public Advocate
- Victorian Disability Worker Commission.
The Human Services Regulator’s approach to promoting and monitoring the regulatory compliance of in-scope organisations is outlined in the department's:
- Better Regulatory Practice Framework (Word)
- Standards and Regulation Regulator Plan (Word)
- Supported Residential Services Regulator Plan (Word)
- Child Safe Standards Compliance Monitoring Framework (available on the department's Providers website)
- Human Services Regulator Plan July 2019–June 2021 (Word)
- Human Services Regulator Plan on a page July 2019–June 2021 (Word).
More information
Contact the Human Services Regulator:
- General enquiries: 9096 6160
- General office email: hsr@dhhs.vic.gov.au
- National Relay Service and then 1800 677 342
- Mail: Level 16, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000