Media Release by Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC

Increased COVID-19 support for NDIS workers in South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania

Eligible NDIS providers in Queensland (Qld), South Australia (SA) and Tasmania will be able to claim a one-off payment from the NDIA for support workers to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. 

The availability of the payment across the three final states marks the one-off payment becoming a national approach to enable support workers to access the vaccine and to protect participants, with the payment already available in all other states.

The payment of $100 per worker, per dose, can be claimed directly from the NDIA and retrospectively for any vaccinations that a worker has received between: 

  • 10 November and 15 December for workers in Qld 
  • 8 November and 31 December for workers in SA
  • 5 November and 31 December for workers in Tasmania.

Minister for the NDIS Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the measure was being introduced in line with recent state and territory government mandates, following National Cabinet’s endorsement of the Australian Health Principal Protection Committee’s (AHPPC) statement on vaccinations for disability support workers on 5 November 2021.

“We know one of the challenges for disability workers and providers is ensuring coverage of supports while workers get their vaccination, as part of their work requirement,” Minister Reynolds said.

“This payment will provide support to registered NDIS providers to cover additional costs they incur in ensuring their disability workers are able to access a COVID-19 vaccination.”

The Qld government has mandated that disability workers must be fully vaccinated by 15 December.

The SA government has mandated that disability workers must have at least one dose and have evidence that their second dose is booked by 30 November.

The Tasmanian government has mandated that disability workers who provide high intensity supports to NDIS participants must have received their first dose or have booked a vaccination appointment by 21 November.

Minister Reynolds said it was pleasing to see the majority of NDIS disability support workers had already taken up the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, NDIS participants and their fellow support workers.

Nationally, 84.7 per cent of NDIS screened disability workers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 79.2 per cent have received two doses.

“I sincerely thank all NDIS workers who are doing their part to protect themselves and those they support and care for. I encourage those who can get the vaccine to do so as soon as possible,” Minister Reynolds said.

Information on how to claim the payment will be directly available to eligible NDIS providers.