Disability Employment Services Reforms Underway

The Australian Government has released an industry information paper that provides essential information for those delivering Disability Employment Services (DES) from 1 July 2018.

Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter MP, said the paper is the next step in implementing the Government’s $3 billion plan over the next four years to strengthen DES.

“I want to ensure a smooth transition from the current arrangements to the new DES program, and to provide certainty and clarity for the sector,” Minister Porter said.

“We are continuing current provider contracts to 30 June 2018 and ensuring a new DES provider panel is in place to support jobseekers and employers from 1 July 2018.

“The industry paper is essential reading for current providers and for organisations that would like to apply to deliver DES.”

Assistant Minister for Disability Services, the Hon Jane Prentice MP, said existing providers may be offered an ‘invitation to treat’ after they have registered their interest.

“Making it easier for existing providers that are already delivering services to an acceptable standard to continue, will help stabilise the DES market and provide continuity for job seekers and employers,” Mrs Prentice said.

“The industry information paper also outlines the revised funding model for DES providers, offering stronger incentives for them to achieve sustainable employment outcomes for participants that may require more support than others.

“In addition, the Government will provide more than $300 million over the next 10 years to index funding to DES.”

Industry information sessions will be held in capital cities and selected regional areas from 20 June to 25 July 2017, and an online information session will also be available.

To read the industry paper, and register for an information session, visit www.engage.dss.gov.au.