Supporting employees in Australian Disability Enterprises

The Government today introduced legislation into the House of Representatives to establish the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) Payment Scheme.

Announced in January 2014, the scheme has been established to provide payments to eligible supported employees with intellectual impairment who have worked in an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADEs) between 1 January 2004 and 28 May 2014 who have been paid wages assessed using the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool.

“The introduction of the BSWAT Payment Scheme legislation is an important step in providing reassurance to supported employees with disability, their families and carers, as well as their ADE employers,” Senator Fifield said.

“The Scheme will support the ongoing employment of the 10,000 existing workers who have had wages assessed using the BSWAT by providing an additional payment to eligible employees.”

Mr Andrews said that the legislation provides a clear framework for delivery of the Scheme.

“It supports decision making by people with disability wherever possible, and provides free financial counselling and legal advice to assist applicants to understand the implications of accepting a payment.”

“In addition, accepting a payment will not affect an applicant’s Disability Support Pension, and an additional amount will be provided to address any tax impacts associated with receiving the lump sum,” Mr Andrews said.

Eligible people with disability can register for the BSWAT Payment Scheme from 1 July 2014. Further details will be available at www.dss.gov.au/bswat/PaymentScheme.