Disability watchdog legislation due

The federal government will introduce legislation to establish a national oversight body for disability services.

The federal government will introduce legislation to establish a watchdog for disability services. (AAP)

A national watchdog responsible for protecting Australians with disabilities will be established under legislation bound for parliament.

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.

The commission, to be established early next year, will also enforce a code of conduct and work with states and territories on a nationally consistent policy for screening workers.

It would be able to exercise a range of powers to correct problems, including banning unsafe and negligent providers.

"The commission will support NDIS participants to exercise choice and control, ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, and establish expectations for providers and their staff to deliver quality supports and services," Social Services Minister Christian Porter said on Wednesday.

The Turnbull government has resisted calls from Labor for a royal commission into violence and abuse against people with disabilities, insisting the new authority is the way to go.

The government set aside $209 million over four years in the recent federal budget to establish the oversight body.