Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson has today announced $6.8 million in funding to assist service providers as they transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Today’s funding announcement is the second phase of the McGowan Government’s $20.3 million WA Sector Transition Fund, and has been targeted at supported accommodation and out-of-home respite options for people with complex needs.
The Department of Communities consulted with the sector and peak body, National Disability Services to identify potential gaps and risks to service providers and people with disability as they transition to the NDIS.
Consultation identified a risk regarding the sustainability of service providers that deliver critical shared living supports to people with complex needs.
Organisations have been identified as potential funding recipients by the Department of Communities based on eligibility requirements.
To access this funding, service providers will need to show that they have governance practices that deliver quality services to people via measures to maintain a well-trained and appropriately paid workforce. This includes minimising casualisation and ensuring good communication between employees and employers is fostered.
The National Disability Insurance Agency has also announced it will conduct a review into cost factors in Western Australia to inform the prices the NDIS will pay for services, which will also address these sustainability risks in the longer term.
Based on the criteria, 27 non-government organisations (NGOs) providing shared, supported accommodation for people with complex support needs in WA and seven NGOs providing out-of-home respite services have been found eligible.
Eligible service providers will share in $6,875,000 in funding for 2018-19, which will be allocated in coming weeks.
The third and final phases of the WA Sector Transition Fund will be released in 2019-20, and consultation will be undertaken with the sector to identify potential pressure points.
As noted by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring the sustainability of service providers that deliver these quality supports to people with disability who have complex needs.
“This funding will assist service providers to maintain stable and appropriate staffing, and continue to deliver quality services.
“It is my expectation that the WA pricing review will identify the true cost of doing business with this vulnerable cohort, and will address problems moving forward.”
