Message from the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas
During October, I hosted more than 120 West Australians with disability, carers and service providers in a forum at Perth Town Hall, who showed their support for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Western Australian Young Person of the Year, Peter Darch gave an impassioned address to the forum, as did Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes. Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten outlined the government’s work regarding a National Injury Insurance Scheme and I provided a road map of the way forward on a National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Feedback from the community in Perth included a strong message of support for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.
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I recently caught up with a number of local athletes in Adelaide who have all represented South Australia or Australia in competitions across the world, including some at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece earlier this year.
Special Olympics Australia have thrown their strong support behind the idea of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. Their goals of supporting people with disability to achieve their best in life and to have the confidence to dream big are the same goals the Government has for people with disability through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
These athletes proved that, with some support, disability is no barrier to achieving their goals.
Thanks to the team at Special Olympics Australia for making me feel so welcome – and for the game of tennis!
Left to right - Lachlan Woollett, Peter McGrath (Coach), Kim Flannigan, Wendy Farmer, Hindmarsh MP Steve Georganas, Wayne Kinross and Bradley Kinross with Senator McLucas following a friendly tennis match in Adelaide.
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A reminder, the closing date for applications for the second intake of participants for the Leaders for Tomorrow program is Friday 25 November 2011.
Leaders for Tomorrow is a national program which will provide up to 12 months of leadership development support to 200 people with disability over the next three years.
By linking people with disability with appropriate training, support and mentoring, the program will help participants develop the skills and confidence to become leaders in business, the community and government.
The Leaders for Tomorrow program is not designed around set modules. Trained facilitators work with participants to develop a personalised program for each individual based on their interests, needs and requirements. Participants have access to training, coaching, mentoring and other leadership development opportunities.
People with a broad range of skill levels and leadership interests are encouraged to apply. If you know someone that might benefit from this program, I encourage you to let them know about it.
For more information and to obtain an Application Form, visit the Leaders for Tomorrow website or call:
- NSW, ACT, Vic and Tas 1800 887 624; or
- WA, SA, NT and Qld 1800 648 021.
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The National Disability Awards is only a few weeks away with the presentation and gala event occurring on 22 November at Parliament House, Canberra.
This is a great time of year to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions that individuals or groups with disability make to our community, and recognise individuals or groups within our community who have contributed to the disability sector.
The National Disability Awards are part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability.
For more information on the Awards or IDPwD, please visit the IDPwD website.
News
IDPwD - time is running out…
3 December is the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), which is a United Nations mandated day held on 3 December every year.
IDPwD is an opportunity to acknowledge the talents of people with disability, work to change attitudes and break down community barriers.
As part of IDPwD festivities, the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) invites community groups from around Australia to hold an event for the day. Some ideas include: poster displays; morning teas; school assemblies; inclusive sports; guest speakers; festival or fetes; open days/come and try days; or an online celebration with IDPwD wallpapers. Nothing is too big or too small—but you need to hurry as event registrations close on 25 November 2011! The event registration process is easy: simply fill out the form on the website.
To help you with your registered event, depending on its size and nature, you will receive a selection of promotional products free of charge while stocks last. There are a range of products available this year, including balloons, lapel pins, posters, postcards, PC wallpapers and convenor t-shirts.
If you’re stuck for ideas but really want to hold an event, the IDPwD website includes an events toolkit which contains: tips, tools, a copy of the logo, media release templates and a set of downloadable wallpapers for PC and desktops.
You can also check out the events happening in your area on the IDPwD website as well as reading stories about people with disabilities who have overcome barriers and changed attitudes as part of the Breaking Down the Barriers webpage.
This year’s International Day has also seen regional people with disability invited to share stories through a project offered through ABC Open and supported by Nican, who is taking a co-ordination role on IDPwD 2011. ABC Open invites people from regional Australia to tell their stories using words, photos, video and sound. The new ABC Open project, The Moment Behind the Photo, will be highlighting contributions from people with disabilities on any subject as part of IDPwD.
Not-for-Profit reform underway
The Government is undertaking significant reform to the not-for-profit (NFP) sector.
Announced in the May Federal Budget, the reforms will ensure the integrity, viability and reputation of the sector.
Treasury is committed to consulting with the sector at every stage of the reform process and they have developed a newsletter which is available on the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Taskforce website.
Stage one of the reforms is the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC), the better targeting of NFP concessions, and the introduction of a statutory definition of ‘charity’.
Treasury is currently developing options to implement the announced changes to the use of tax concessions by the sector, and will undertake targeted and intensive consultations with the sector in the coming months.
The Assistant Treasurer has asked Treasury to consult on a second exposure draft of the legislation, expected in late 2011, which is likely to address the vast majority of sector concerns.
If you have further questions on NFP taxation and regulation reform there is one email address for all Treasury NFP reform issues and questions. Please email your question to
NFPReform@treasury.gov.au.
To be added to the NFP reform mailing list email: NFPReform@treasury.gov.au, with your name, phone number and, if applicable, your entity.
Registrations of interest are now being accepted for the Social Enterprise Development and Investment Funds (SEDIF) loan fund
The Social Enterprise Development and Investment Funds (SEDIF) is an Australian Government initiative to improve access to finance and support for Australia’s social enterprises to help them grow their business and, by doing so, increase the impact of their work in their communities. By establishing SEDIF, the Australian Government is also seeking to catalyse the development of the broader social impact investment market in Australia.
For further information have a look at the SEDIF Grant Program Guidelines.
How do social enterprises apply to the funds?
The successful funds managers are Foresters Community Finance and Social Enterprise Finance Australia. Social enterprises and investors can register their interest directly with the successful fund managers. Please contact them directly on:
Foresters Community Finance:
SEFA Loan Fund:
Social enterprises are invited to register their interest in applying to the Social Enterprise Finance Australia (SEFA) Loan fund.
Important news for Australian Disability Enterprises: New National Work Health and Safety legislation from 1 January 2012
The New National Work Health and Safety System (WHS) will see new legislation and regulations in place from 1 January 2012.
The WHS will be developed, implemented and enforced by a new independent body called Safe Work Australia.
A significant inclusion in the national WHS law will be the broadened definition of the duty of the employer and other responsible people to include “persons conducting a business or undertaking” (PCBU) which covers everyone contributing to work will have a duty of care under new WHS laws.
Australian Disability Enterprises can be considered PCBUs and are required to demonstrate due diligence or a proactive approach to the monitoring of OHS compliance within a corporation.
Despite the graduated enforcement of the new WHS laws, there will be higher penalties for non-compliance. ADEs should start preparing for the introduction of the new WHS laws now. This includes familiarising and resolving your current business governance, strategies, systems, structure and consultation issues that affect health and safety in the workplace.
Safe Work Australia has developed transitional principles that set out how arrangements under existing WHS legislation are intended to transition to the new system. Information on this is available at the Safe Work Australia website.
Some preparations for ADEs may include the following:
- Identify any health or safety concerns
- Eliminate all OH&S risks or minimise to as greater degree as to that which is "reasonably practicable"
- Review and update company policies and procedures
- Develop open and effective consultation, representation and dispute resolution processes
- Implement new policies and procedures to all staff which includes staff training
Further information on the new National Work Health and Safety legislation is available at the Safe Work Australia website.
Reminder—Applications open for the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund (SAIF)
As part of the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund (SAIF) funding round, the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) strongly advises applicants to be aware of their home state or territory’s cut-off dates. State and territory governments will require sufficient time to consider and prioritise projects for endorsement and requests for ongoing support funding. State and territory endorsement of projects is mandatory.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with their state or territory contact as early as possible.
The following states and territories have advised of their application due dates:
| State/Territory |
Application due date |
| Victoria |
10 November 2011 |
| Northern Territory |
14 November 2011 |
| New South Wales |
18 November 2011 |
| South Australia |
18 November 2011 |
| Australian Capital Territory |
25 November 2011 |
| Queensland |
30 November 2011 |
| Western Australia |
30 November 2011 |
| Tasmania |
9 December 2011 |
The SAIF funding round, allowing eligible organisations to apply for a capital grant to build innovative supported accommodation for people with disability, opened on 5 September 2011 and will remain open until 20 January 2012. This $60 million initiative, spanning three years, will go towards addressing the shortfall in supported accommodation places and respite for people with disability and their families and carers by providing up to 150 new places.
For further information and updates, or to ask a question, please visit the SAIF Govspace website. Application documents are available under the Grants and Funding tab on the FaHCSIA website.
ADEs in Action
Orana South Australia opens New Client Development Centre
Orana is a South Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides employment, accommodation and respite services to over 500 people with intellectual disability.
In its continuing commitment to improve services Orana has announced the opening of its Client Development Centre (CDC).
This enables Orana to provide a fully integrated approach to employee and residential management.
By collecting more detailed information, it assists in placing employees in the job that best fits their skills and will find opportunities for future development and personal growth.
The CDC is an innovative program which Orana has developed after two years of extensive research.
It is staffed by highly qualified professionals in the areas of occupational therapy, psychology, recruitment, counselling and case management who have a wealth of experience in advocacy, support and the disability sector.
“Clients leaving school or wanting to join the workforce for the first time will be screened and provided with information as to their best future vocational and personal development options,” explains Orana CEO Mr Nicholas Mihalaras. “Plus we will be working with special schools to offer work experience opportunities.”
As well as assisting with employment options, the Centre will also assist employees in their transition to retirement at the appropriate time by helping them move into other social options. “Orana is entering exciting times with this initiative as we strive to provide our clients with the training and support they need to get the most out of their day working with or residing in an Orana facility,” concludes Mr Mihalaras.
Photo: Patrick Herrity, employee at Orana and Nicholas Mihalaras, CEO of Orana, working on hydraulic box components.
Program Update
The Difference between Exiting and Suspending a Case in FOFMS
The following question is often received by the CBF helpdesk:
“When a client leaves our ADE which status reason should I select in FOFMS?”
A case should be Suspended if an employee is temporarily unable to maintain employment with your outlet for a minimum period of one calendar month, for reasons such as change in condition, education placement, personal reasons, seasonal work ended, time out, whereabouts unknown, etc. A suspension should be used if you are reasonably sure the employee will return, or is absent without explanation, while you attempt to reengage the supported employee back into employment.
A case should be Exited as soon as you become aware an employee will no longer be working for your outlet, for reasons such as consumer needs increased, consumer terminated service, moved out of area, moved to another ADE, moved to open employment, etc. An exit should also be used when the reason for the absence is unknown and attempts to reengage them back into employment have not been successful. A formal resignation automatically actions an Exit of a case and an Exit must be actioned if requested by FaHCSIA.
In the instance where an employee is moving to another ADE or moving out of the area but you expect that they may return, the case still must be exited as they are currently not employed by your ADE. As with suspensions, cases which have been exited can still be returned within 12 months or two years if returning from open employment; so exiting a case is not necessarily permanent and still allows the employee to come back if they change their mind.
If you have any questions about suspensions and exits, please email the Case Based Funding Helpdesk or phone 1800 034 887.
Who can sign this form?
The Case Based Funding Helpdesk receives calls from service providers asking who can sign a number of different forms applicable to the Disability Employment Assistance Program. These forms and details on their signatories are provided below for guidance.
Client Consent Form
There are two signatories to the Client Consent Form; one is the Client or their Advocate which means the Supported Employee or their independent advocate (not an employee of the organisation). The other signatory is the Authorised Officer of the Outlet providing the service to the Client, who by their responsibilities or delegation within the organisation has the authority to sign the form.
Employment Assistance Plan (EAP)
There are two signatories to the EAP. The Employee or Advocate (if required) means the Supported Employee or their independent advocate (not an employee of the organisation). The other is the ADE Staff Member which means a staff member, who by their responsibilities or delegation within the organisation has the authority to sign the form.
Work Based Personal Assistance (WBPA) Requirements Form
There are four signatories to the WBPA Requirements Form which are:
- Supported Employee – means the Supported Employee or their independent advocate (not an employee of the organisation).
- Assessor’s Name, Qualifications, Signature – means a person who:
- is qualified as an occupational therapist; or
- is a Registered Nurse; or
- holds a Human Services qualification.
- DEA Support Worker – means a support worker in the organisation, who by their responsibilities or delegation within the organisation has the authority to sign the form.
- Personal Assistance Provider – means the Approved Support Worker who will be providing the WBPA assistance to the Supported Employee. An Approved Support Worker means a person who:
- holds a Certificate III in Disability Work; or
- has industry specific training in the provision of personal care; or
- is a Registered Nurse (or with equal qualifications) who is qualified to administer medical interventions.
Work Based Personal Assistance Claim Form
There is one signatory to the WBPA Claim Form. The WBPA claim form requires that both the name of the Outlet and the Authorising Officer details be provided. The Outlet means the Service Outlet where the Supported Employee works and the Authorising Officer means a staff member of that outlet, who by their responsibilities or delegation within the organisation has the authority to sign the form.
If you have any questions regarding the signatory requirements on any of these forms, please contact the Case Based Funding Helpdesk on 1800 034 887 or email us at Helpdesk.CBF@fahcsia.gov.au.
Useful URLs
Calendar of Important Dates
November
| 22 Nov |
National Disability Awards ceremony |
| 25 Nov |
IDPwD Event Registrations close |
December
| 3 Dec |
International Day of People with Disability |
| 26 Dec |
Public Holiday – FaHCSIA office closed 26 December as Christmas falls on a Sat |
| 27 Dec |
Boxing Day – FaHCSIA office closed on 27 Dec as Christmas falls on a Sat pushing days forward by one day |
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