It was upsetting to read such negative commentary about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) over the weekend – one of the greatest social reforms this country has ever seen.
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Many of us have worked hard to get this vital, bi-partisan supported reform under way to improve the lives of people with disability.
The Heads of Agreement signed in 2012 by the then Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Premier Barry O’Farrell, states that NSW will transfer services to the non-government sector by 2018, in order to provide more choice and control to people with disabilities.
The non-government sector already provides over 60 per cent of services currently in NSW and does a terrific job. After 2018, service choice for clients will only increase as the demand for innovative and flexible supports and services grows.
Government staff have been extensively briefed on employment changes – and most of them support this vital reform as a whole and understand the changes are in place to ensure improved flexibility for clients.
It is clear that a small minority who are philosophically opposed to non-government organisations delivering services are causing the broader community to question the NDIS – and this is just wrong.
By 2018 it is estimated about 25,000 more disability staff will be needed to support the NDIS program state-wide which puts staff in an incredibly strong bargaining position.
We have been working together with employees and their unions to help employees that will be transferring to NGO’s have their key entitlements protected, including continuity of superannuation, continuity of service, protection of accrued long service, extended, annual and sick leave.
I will continue to work with staff, unions and the non-government sector to ensure a smooth transition for workers.
To help prepare for the transition, some staff have recently been seconded to work in NGOs. I hear they are happy in their new location, focusing on what is important - caring for the clients.
The very nature of reform is that it requires change. We need to look beyond self-interest to make it happen – for the benefit of the most vulnerable in our society: people with disabilities.
John Ajaka, Minister for Disability Services and the Illawarra