NDIS workforce increases to meet demand

The creation of more than 2,300 jobs will help deliver the NDIS in local communities across the country as it continues rolling out in all States and Territories until 2020.

As at 31 March 2018, 13.9 percent of staffers have a disability themselves, with Queensland boasting the highest number, employing 84 of 306 staff with disability.

The NDIS workforce is also made up of staff who identify as a carer, staff from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and staff who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan says the jobs have been created by the NDIS Partners in the Community (PITC) program.

“To meet the requirements of the NDIS, the disability workforce needs to grow by up to 90,000 full time equivalent employees by 2019-2020,” he says.

“The NDIS is rapidly building a national network of organisations delivering services to Australians with disability that is helping them get the best value out of the NDIS – including more than 45,000 people who are receiving life changing support for the first time.”

Mr Tehan says the 2018-19 Federal Budget announcement of $64 million to go towards the Jobs and Market Fund will help Australians discover employment and business opportunities within the NDIS.

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice says the NDIS IS  great opportunity for both established disability providers and start-ups alike to take advantage of a career change or enter the jobs market.

“While we acknowledge that we have some gaps in the market, this presents an ideal time for local businesses, especially in our regional areas, to innovate and consider how they can become registered as a provider,” she says.

“Over the next three years, the NDIS will account for one in five jobs created in Australia,” a Department of Social Services spokesperson says.

The positions will range from professional and allied health to entry-level jobs. 

For more information on disability support and services, please visit DisabilitySupportGuide.com.au.