Senior servant to lead disability watchdog

A senior stalwart of the public service has been tapped on the shoulder to lead a national watchdog responsible for protecting Australians with disabilities.

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.

Graeme Head, the inaugural NSW public service commissioner, will be tasked with enforcing a code of conduct and developing a nationally consistent policy for screening disability support workers.