Consultations on the discussion paper, Inclusion for people with disability through sustainable supported employment concluded late in 2010. Copies of the discussion paper are still available, for information only.
Over 600 submissions were received. Thank you to everyone who sent in a submission. Your opinions and ideas are greatly appreciated and are being used to assist the government in developing the new 10-year vision for supported employment.
Themes to come out of the discussion paper responses included:
- concerns about wages and what can be done to improve wage outcomes for people with disability;
- the importance of the working environment for people with disability and the positive social connections formed there;
- the importance of an adequately resourced work environment for people that need ongoing day-to-day support;
- ideas and strategies for maintaining commercial viability within the sector and providing meaningful work for employees;
- the need for choice, flexibility, adequate training and career paths for people with disability, and their support workers.
The Government, with the assistance of an Advisory Group, has been working hard on the new Vision document and a draft is anticipated to be released in late 2011.
October 2011 Communique: Vision Advisory Group
The Advisory Group for Inclusion for People with Disability Through Sustainable Supported Employment has completed its work, with its final report presented to the Parliamentary Secretary on 28 September 2011.
The Australian Government will now consider the report and its findings. It is expected a formal response will be released, along with a proposed Vision, later in 2011.
May 2011 Communique: Vision Advisory Group
The Advisory Group for Inclusion for People with Disability Through Sustainable Supported Employment met in Sydney for the final time on the 18 and 19 May 2011.
The Group has developed a future Vision for the supported employment sector, underpinned by a series of principles and a range of strategies to achieve the Vision. Submission of their final report to the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator the Hon Jan McLucas, will take place in July as planned.
Advisory Group Chair, Professor Lesley Chenoweth, said ‘I am very pleased with the important work undertaken by the Group over the previous six months. While there have been many differences of opinion, there have also been many points of agreement. Most importantly, I believe the Group has produced a Vision that puts the rights of people with disability first and foremost, and underlines our obligations as Australians to support people with disability to take part in fairly paid, meaningful work that meets their aspirations, and a satisfying community life.’
Professor Chenoweth thanked Advisory Group members for their work in delivering a visionary future for supported employment. ‘I am confident that the Vision we’ve developed provides a good compass for the employment expectations and aspirations of people with disability, their families and carers, as well as service providers, government and the general community.’
The Australian Government will consider the Advisory Group’s report, and will release a response with a proposed Vision later in 2011.
March 2011 Communique: Vision Advisory Group
The Advisory Group for Inclusion for People with Disability Through Sustainable Supported Employment met for the second time on 9 and 10 March, 2011.
The focus of this workshop meeting was to allow time to explore ideas in a way that was thorough, candid and collaborative in order to further develop proposals for Government regarding a future Vision for Supported Employment. Whilst members share a common ground of significant commitment to people with disability they also represent diverse perspectives. This commitment allowed members to engage in significant debate and still work together in a spirit of collaboration to draft a preliminary Vision, underpinned by a series of principles. Members will continue work to refine the Vision and the principles, in the lead-up to the next face-to-face meeting in May 2011 where they will also consider possible strategies to implement the Vision.
The Group agrees it is critical for any Vision to connect with the broader policy environment including the significant reforms occurring elsewhere in the disability sphere. It has also acknowledged the strengths that exist in the current system, while also identifying opportunities for future change. A primary focus for the Group has been linkages to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability; and ensuring that the person with disability, families and carers are at the centre of any system. The Group is on target to provide its recommendation for a preferred Vision to the Australian Government later this year.
Advisory Group Membership
Pr Lesley Chenoweth - Chair
Head, School of Human Services
Griffith University
Dr Ken Baker
Chief Executive
National Disability Services
Mr David Barbagallo
Chief Executive Officer
Endeavour Foundation
Ms Ingrid Landau
Research Officer
Australian Council of Trade Unions
Mr Mark Pattison
National Council on Intellectual Disability (December and March meetings only)
Ms Samantha Jenkinson
Mr Neil Preston OAM
Chief Executive Officer
Greenacres Disability Services
Mr Kevin Robbie
Director Employment and Social Enterprise
Social Ventures Australia
Ms Vanessa Morley (December meeting only)
Head of Talent and Inclusion
Qantas