More Funding For NDIS Workforce

The Australian Government is investing more than $1 million to support workforce innovations under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Hon Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Disability Services has announced funding for eight projects under Round 2 of the NDIS Innovative Workforce Fund.

“This second round of grants under this Fund is investing in smart new ways of expanding and managing the NDIS workforce,” Mrs Prentice said.

“Projects include a 3D interactive simulation to provide more training options for workers, training videos and online resources, and an initiative to recruit and retain workers from multicultural backgrounds.

“Many of these projects will assist organisations to work more efficiently and better meet the needs of people with disability and their families.

“There are currently more than 100,000 NDIS participants, and this will grow to about 460,000 when the scheme is fully operational in 2020.

“This means the sector is expected to increase from the estimated 73,000 full time equivalent workers in 2013, before the NDIS trials began, to an expected 162,000 in the next three years.

“Supporting this jobs growth through new ways of working is crucial to the success of the NDIS – ensuring NDIS participants can get the services they choose from workers in their local area.”

National Disability Services Chief Executive Officer Ken Baker said 85 applications were received for Round 2, with many harnessing the experience of people with disability.

“These grants are fostering new ways of delivering services and expanding the workforce under the NDIS, exploring and developing good ideas from across the sector,” Dr Baker said.

The Innovative Workforce Fund is a $5 million investment in the disability workforce, funded from the NDIS Sector Development Fund. Round 2 complements previous grant funding of nearly $2.9 million for 21 projects announced earlier this year.