Media Release by The Hon John Cobb MP

Workpower gets $100,000 boost

Perth employment service Workpower has received almost $100,000 in Australian Government funding to assist them in providing supported employment opportunities to more than 250 people with disability.

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, today visited Workpower’s Qualipac Plus business at their new Belmont site.

‘Workpower offers employment for up to 266 people with disability at five locations in Perth, which include Qualipac Plus, and Ecosystem Management Services,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘Qualipac Plus provide services such as packaging, labelling, assembly, light manufacturing and property services, offering employment for a total of 70 people with disability.

‘This is an excellent example of a business producing a product to meet the needs of the market, while supporting people with disability to enter the workforce.

‘The Australian Government has also approved an additional $48,400 for set-up costs to cover initial supplies, equipment and vehicle modifications associated with their redevelopment.

‘Workpower will receive Australian Government funding up to $2.8 million in 2006-07 under the Disability employment Assistance Program.

‘Workpower also provides services that assist people with disability to secure and maintain jobs in the general employment market.

‘I congratulate Workpower on their work and the Australian Government continues to support businesses which encourage greater participation for people with disability,’
Mr Cobb said.

The Disability Employment Assistance Program aims to offer employment, support and assistance to people with disabilities to enable them to participate in all aspects of community life.