Media Release by The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP

Supporting people with disability in Ipswich

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General, Federal Member for Blair

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Amanda Rishworth today joined local MP Shayne Neumann at the Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) Mach 1 in West Ipswich to see firsthand the great work of the staff and workers.

Ms Rishworth said disability should not be a barrier to a successful and fulfilling career.

“Mach 1 is a fabulous example of the ways that people with disability can be truly involved in the workforce,” Ms Rishworth said.

Mr Neumann said the work done by the Australian Disability Enterprise in his local community is truly inspiring.

“I congratulate the team at Mach 1 on the great work they do in providing a supportive and fantastic workplace for people with disability in the local area,” Mr Neumann said.

During the visit, Ms Rishworth underscored the Australian Government’s continuing commitment to supporting ADEs.

“The Australian Government believes that ADEs have an important role to play in providing meaningful work and training for people with disability,” Ms Rishworth said.

“That is why we released a 10-year vision for the future of supported employment and are giving ADES support to remain strong and sustainable through the transition to DisabilityCare Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“DisabilityCare Australia will transform the way support is provided for people with disability, their families and carers, here in Ipswich and across the nation.

“We currently fund around 325 ADE outlets across Australia to providing supported employment assistance to approximately 20,000 people who may not otherwise be able to work.”

The Australian Government announced in the Budget last May an additional $59.6 million over four years for ADES across Australia. That allocation gave certainty to ADES as well as to the people who work in ADES and their families.