The Andrews Labor Government will invest $26 million to transform the disability workforce in Victoria as part of the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley today launched Keeping our sector strong: Victoria’s workforce plan for the NDIS to ensure Victoria has a world-class disability workforce as we roll out the NDIS.
It will give disability workers new skills, greater diversity in job roles, and the opportunity to do exciting and valued work that has a direct impact on the lives of others.
The launch coincided with a visit to Melbourne City Mission where Mr Foley met with members and disability support staff at Compass Clubhouse, Australia’s first clubhouse run by and for adults who have experienced an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
The Plan includes an additional $2.1 million for the Future Social Service Institute, a unique collaboration between the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), RMIT University, and the Labor Government to ensure its full operation in 2017 and into the future.
The Institute will design world-best education programs, help train the workforce of the future, research emerging reform trends and opportunities, and empower not-for-profits to reorient to a global market.
As Victoria rolls out the NDIS, attracting and retaining workers with the right skills, values, and attitudes will be crucial to deliver more and better support for people with disability.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“The introduction of the NDIS is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the lives of Victorians with disability, and the lives of their families and carers.”
“This plan is about getting the disability workforce ready for the NDIS and laying the foundations needed to build the workforce of the future.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“As the disability sector changes, we need to make sure the workforce has the training it needs to change with it. This will make sure our future workforce has the skills they need to offer the best care possible for people with a disability.”
Quote attributable to VCOSS CEO Emma King
“A tidal wave of change is about to hit the social services sector. The Future Social Service Institute will develop innovative ways of providing services to those in our community who need them most.”
Quote attributable to RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Martin Bean CBE
“RMIT doesn’t just equip social service students with the knowledge and skills needed by the sector, the University’s research also supports the development of creative solutions to complex social issues.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020