Union welcomes bringing NDIS review forward, urges focus on wages and entitlements

The union representing NSW disability workers has welcomed NDIS Minister Bill Shorten bringing forward the government’s review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme, saying it is a chance to fix systemic failures sooner. Mr Shorten today launched the independent review, announcing the government was bringing forward the investigation into the effectiveness and sustainability of the scheme. The review will examine the issues that people with disabilities face, as well as those faced by their families and carers. Part of the probe will look at ways to attract and retain the workforce. Australian Services Union NSW Secretary Angus McFarland said change can’t come soon enough. “Bringing this review forward should mean frontline workers are now that much closer to being properly valued,” Mr McFarland said. “Right now we just don’t have the conditions, the job security, or the salaries to attract – or retain – a sufficient number of disability workers to the sector. “Australians want trust in the NDIS to be restored and you can only achieve this with an appropriately valued workforce. If we secure this, we will improve the wellbeing of people with disabilities and their families. “For example, with so much casualisation and insecure work in the sector, we desperately need to establish portable leave and training entitlement schemes that recognise the value and complexity of support work. “We look forward to making a submission and providing evidence to the government’s review and welcome the Minister’s commitment to change.”