Key messages
- When assessing applications for SRS registration, we consider whether you are a suitable person to be a proprietor, the premises, your business plan, and your understanding of the relevant legislation.
- The assessment of premises includes an assessment of the building’s essential safety measures and a building surveyor’s report.
When assessing applications for SRS registration, we consider:
- whether you are a suitable person under the criteria in the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010 and Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Regulations 2012 - that is, do you have the right skills, knowledge and understanding
- the premises - the site and the premises’ design and compliance with the National Construction Code 2015
- your business plan - business objectives, market analysis, financial capacity, management and staffing structure
- your understanding of the SRS Act and Regulations.
When we are assessing an application to approve a manager or a new director to a proprietor company, we do not assess the premises and business plan.
Assessing the suitability and financial capacity of proprietors and directors
We must assess whether a potential proprietor is suitable and likely to have, or will continue to have, the 'financial capacity' to operate the SRS. For this reason, the application forms ask you to answer many questions and provide supporting documentation.
We want to be sure you have the appropriate skills to deliver suitable standards of support. We also must be sure you have the financial resources to meet these obligations. An SRS that fails due to poor management or lack of financial resources has a widespread impact on residents, families and the proprietor.
To be a proprietor, you must have the right arrangements in place to operate the business effectively - for example:
- a valid lease or evidence that you own the premises
- your proposed staff roster must comply with the legislation and provide adequate staff (both support staff and other staff such as cleaners and cooks) to meet the needs of the residents.
Application forms were developed with these considerations in mind. Go to the Proprietor / manager suitability assessment page for details.
Assessing the suitability of premises
Applications for registration, extension and variation require the department to assess the suitability of the premises for use as an SRS. The assessment involves ensuring the proprietor has the appropriate planning permits and occupancy certificates and that the buildings comply with the relevant building provisions.
Essential safety measures
A building needs fire and health safety measures installed or constructed to ensure adequate fire safety and protection from health issues (such as Legionella) over the life of the building.
Essential safety measures include all traditional building fire services - such as sprinklers and mechanical services - and passive fire safety such as fire doors, fire-rated structures and other building infrastructure items such as travel pathways to exits. The essential safety measures fact sheet describes the requirements.
With applications for registration, extension or variation, the department requires applicants to provide a copy of the latest annual essential safety measures report.
Building surveyor's report
For applications for registration and variation (in the case of prior approval of building works), the proprietor needs to provide a building surveyor report that confirms the premises comply with the National Construction Code 2015 and the SRS facility guidelines. A report template can be found below.
The department will expect the report to address parts C, D and F of the National Construction Code and Australian Standard AS 1428.1-2009 Design for access and mobility. You should consult your preferred building surveyor if you need more information about building compliance.
Downloads
Essential safety measures - for SRS proprietors and applicants