Source: Office of the Parliamentary secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, the Hon. Ursula Stephens MP

SENATOR THE HON URSULA STEPHENS

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR

MEDIA RELEASE

3 December 2008                                         

NEW DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICE MODEL A WIN FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed new model for disability employment services as another important step forward in progressing the Rudd Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda.

The discussion paper containing the proposed model was released by the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today and will ensure all people with a disability who are seeking a job can access individually tailored employment services.

Under the proposed new model:

• Services will be uncapped with all eligible job seekers with disability, including school leavers, able to access a place in employment services
• Services will be tailored to better meet the needs of job seekers with disability and be more responsive to employers
• There will be stronger incentives for providers to place job seekers in training
• Red tape will be reduced and administration streamlined, giving providers more time to help people with disability find employment.
• Funding for remote services will be substantially increased with current loadings of 20 and 30 per cent boosted up to 70 per cent.

“The Social Inclusion Agenda is about removing the barriers to participation and providing opportunities that will enable people to engage in the full range of life’s experiences,” Dr Stephens said.

“The old system often failed to provide these opportunities due to time lags, inflexibility and unnecessary red tape. 

“I welcome the new model because it is so important to effectively help people with a disability overcome the barriers to workforce participation, not only for the financial rewards but also for the dignity, self-esteem and connection to community that work brings,” Senator Stephens said.

Further consultations on the discussion paper will be held nationally from December 8 to 12. 

The discussion paper is available at www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/publications/policyreviews. Written submissions close 30 January 2009. Details about consultations are on the website or by phoning 1800 064 516.

Media Contact :Nancy Waites 02 6277 3333