Commissioner Dan Stubbs has announced he will be finishing his role as Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner.
As the inaugural Commissioner, Dan has led the Victorian Disability Worker Commission since his appointment in 2019. The Commission is the first regulator of its kind in the country, responsible for regulating all disability workers in Victoria.
As someone who is blind, Dan’s lived experience brought invaluable perspective to the role and an innate understanding of the reliance people have on disability workers. He has been passionate about ensuring disability services are safe and high quality and has led the ongoing growth and impact of the Commission’s work.
During his time as Commissioner, Dan issued the first prohibition orders to prevent unsafe disability workers from working anywhere within the Victorian disability sector, strengthening safeguards for people with disability. He has overseen the establishment of new complaints and investigation functions and supported evidence-based reform including through appearing at the Disability Royal Commission. Working with the Victorian Disability Worker Registration Board of Victoria, the Commission also delivers Australia’s first voluntary registration of disability workers.
“I’m so proud of the work I’ve done as Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner over the past 6 years,” said Dan. “This has included attracting some of the best staff in Victoria to deliver our role and continuing to deliver more and better with complaints, notifications and registrations of disability workers.”
Dan prioritised the accessibility of the Commission and recognised the importance of working with and listening to people with disability to ensure its services are effective.
“I’m absolutely confident the Commission’s well placed to continue to strongly deliver its key regulatory functions because of the disability inclusive and focused culture we’ve created,” said Dan.
“Being the Disability Worker Commissioner is the most important job I’ve ever done. I’m so grateful to the staff of the Commission and their dedication. Thank you also to the disability community for supporting us, challenging me and for recognising the importance of our role with your advocacy.”
Following his departure from the Commission, Dan will be taking on the role of Victorian Public Advocate, where he will continue driving respect, inclusion and participation for the most vulnerable people with disability in our community.
Dan will end his term as Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner on 7 November 2025. An announcement about leadership appointments at the Commission will be made in due course.
The Commission looks forward to continuing its work regulating the disability workforce and increasing safety and quality in the Victorian disability sector.
Enquiries can be made to Siobhan Bahn siobhan.bahn@vdwc.vic.gov.au | 0407 118 406