NDIS–Disability and Employment
We mentioned in our November 2018 Newsletter that studies for service providers, carers, participants and support workers need to be analysed. From 626 service providers surveyed, over 50% of them reporting worse operating environment, and 80% showed sign of uncertainty (https://www.nds.org.au/news/state-of-the-disability-sector-report-2018).
The federal government announced a $33m Boosting the Local Care Workforce (BLWC) program in December last year. It is intended to build disability sector capacity and service provider readiness in the lead up to full National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) implementation, and for aged care employers and workers. The Department of Health estimated that there would be a shortage of care workforce by 2020 and this program would add 60,000 new jobs for the disability and aging services.
NDIS also announced the grant for ILC project that will enhance the capacity of workplace and also build pathways which increase employability for people with disability. Federal government pours in $19.8m in total for this grant.