Behaviour support in Tasmania
In Tasmania, the Senior Practitioner authorises restrictive practices used by disability services providers, including National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers. This comes from the Disability Rights, Inclusion and Safeguarding Act 2024, which has been in force since 1 July 2025. The provider applies with a behaviour support plan. An authorisation lasts up to 12 months.
- Registered NDIS providers only
- Free to use
- Independent, not a provider
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How restrictive practices are authorised in Tasmania
| Scheme | Senior Practitioner authorisation under the Disability Rights, Inclusion and Safeguarding Act 2024 |
|---|---|
| Who authorises | Senior Practitioner (Office of the Senior Practitioner), Tasmanian Government |
| Law or policy | Disability Rights, Inclusion and Safeguarding Act 2024 (Tas), Part 7 |
| In place since | 1 July 2025 |
A provider that plans to use restrictive practices must appoint an appointed program officer, approved by the Senior Practitioner. The provider then applies to the Senior Practitioner with a behaviour support plan written by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner. The plan must show why the practice is the least restrictive option and how the need for it will be reduced.
Before deciding, the Senior Practitioner must consult the person, or someone they nominate, and consider their will and preferences. An authorisation can have conditions and lasts up to 12 months. It can cover one provider or every provider who supports the person.
An independent person must explain the authorised practice to the person and tell them they can ask for a review. This can be a family member or friend, approved by the Senior Practitioner. They can't be a provider for the person, work for one, or have helped write or review the plan.
The person, their independent person or a provider can ask the Senior Practitioner to review an authorisation at any time. After an internal review, a person can apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT). The law doesn't cover relatives or friends who support the person themselves.
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.
Tasmania questions
When did Tasmania's new law start?
The Disability Rights, Inclusion and Safeguarding Act 2024 has been in force since 1 July 2025. It made the Senior Practitioner the decision maker for authorising restrictive practices used by disability services providers.
Can a family member be the independent person in Tasmania?
Yes, if the Senior Practitioner approves. The Act gives a family member or friend as examples. They can't be a provider for the person, work for one, or be involved in writing or reviewing the plan.
How long does an authorisation last in Tasmania?
Up to 12 months, as stated in the authorisation. The Senior Practitioner can review, change or revoke it at any time.
Can we challenge a decision in Tasmania?
Yes. First ask the Senior Practitioner for an internal review. If you're unhappy with the result, you can apply to TASCAT within 28 days of hearing the outcome.
How do I find a behaviour support practitioner in Tasmania?
Answer a few quick questions on this page. We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your part of Tasmania. If they can't help, we find someone who can.