Behaviour support in Queensland
Queensland still uses a guardianship-based model. Under the Disability Services Act 2006, who approves a restrictive practice depends on the type. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) generally approves containment and seclusion. A guardian appointed by QCAT approves ongoing physical, mechanical and chemical restraint. The rules cover adults with an intellectual or cognitive disability.
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- Independent, not a provider
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How restrictive practices are authorised in Queensland
| Scheme | Queensland restrictive practices framework (guardianship-based model) |
|---|---|
| Who authorises | Depends on the practice: QCAT, guardians for restrictive practices appointed by QCAT, the Public Guardian, and the chief executive of the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety |
| Law or policy | Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld), Part 6, with the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld) |
Queensland's rules are in Part 6 of the Disability Services Act 2006. They apply to adults with an intellectual or cognitive disability who get disability services funded by the state or through their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan. Queensland uses some different names. Containment and restricting access to objects are both forms of what the NDIS calls environmental restraint.
Who approves depends on the practice. QCAT generally approves containment and seclusion, after a joint application by the department and the provider. The Public Guardian can give short-term approval while an assessment and plan are done. For ongoing physical, mechanical or chemical restraint, a guardian for restrictive practices appointed by QCAT gives approval. The department's chief executive gives short-term approvals for these.
Families can have a direct role. If there's no guardian, an informal decision-maker can approve restricting access to objects through an approved positive behaviour support plan. An informal decision-maker is a member of the person's support network who isn't a paid carer. Different rules apply during respite and community access.
Queensland has worked on reform. A 2024 Bill to replace this model with a Senior Practitioner lapsed when Parliament was dissolved on 1 October 2024. As of September 2026, the Disability Services Act 2006 on the Queensland legislation website still contains the guardianship-based framework. The Office of the Public Guardian and QCAT websites explain the current approvals.
Read more about restrictive practices under the NDIS.
How it works
Tell us what's going on
Who the support is for, the postcode and what's needed. About two minutes.
We find a provider
We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your area and is taking new clients.
A practitioner contacts you
To talk through assessment, a behaviour support plan, funding and when they can start.
Queensland questions
Has Queensland moved to a Senior Practitioner model?
Not as of September 2026. The Disability Services (Restrictive Practices) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 would have done this, but it lapsed when Parliament was dissolved on 1 October 2024. The guardianship-based rules still apply.
Can a family member approve a restrictive practice in Queensland?
Sometimes. If there's no guardian, an informal decision-maker (a member of the person's support network who isn't a paid carer) can approve restricting access to objects through an approved positive behaviour support plan. They also have a role in some respite and community access decisions.
Who approves containment and seclusion in Queensland?
Generally QCAT. The Public Guardian can give short-term approval while the department completes an assessment and plan. The Public Guardian says these approvals are usually brief and may extend up to six months.
Do Queensland's rules cover children?
Part 6 of the Disability Services Act 2006 covers adults with an intellectual or cognitive disability. If your family member is a child, ask the provider and the behaviour support practitioner which rules apply. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's rules on behaviour support plans and reporting apply to NDIS participants of any age.
How do I find a behaviour support practitioner in Queensland?
Answer a few quick questions on this page. We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your part of Queensland. If they can't help, we find someone who can.