Disability watchdog bill passes Senate

Legislation to establish a national watchdog to protect Australians with disabilities has cleared the Senate.

The national disability insurance scheme quality and safeguards commission will register providers, respond to complaints and reports of abuse or neglect, and provide advice on issues such as the use of physical restraints.

Under the bill which passed the upper house on Wednesday, the commission will also enforce a code of conduct as well as work with states and territories on a nationally consistent policy for screening workers.