The state government has announced that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will provide significant employment opportunities in Queensland, with jobs available across a variety of sectors.
Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the government will spend more than $1 million upskilling people to fill an expected 13,000 jobs in Queensland.
The NDIS aims to support people with permanent disabilities by giving them access to personalised referrals, community services and activities, individualised care plans and funded programs.
Ms O’Rourke said the NDIS will create a number of vacancies, as new skills are needed to support the system. Queensland will introduce the NDIS from July 1 2016, although full implementation is scheduled for June 30 2019.
“The NDIS will not only improve the lives of people with disability, but create jobs in the disability sector and entrepreneurial opportunities in the broader community,” she explained. “This unprecedented growth provides great opportunities for those who are looking for work or for a career change.”
Her comments may be encouraging for people considering apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland, with Ms O’Rourke describing job opportunities in the sector as “endless”.
She added that a workforce strategy has been developed in partnerships with key industry bodies. These include the Health and Community Services Workforce Council, the Queensland Council of Social Service and the Community Services Industry Alliance.
Disability sector jobs
The NDIS workforce strategy aims to strengthen employees currently in the sector, as well as build an effective talent pipeline for the future. The state government said it will be looking for allied health professionals, administration personnel, marketing staff and support workers.
Ms O’Rourke said: “Through the strategy, Queenslanders will have the opportunity to access training and support that will help build their skills and knowledge around the NDIS and the disability sector.”
Earlier this month, Ipswich City Council hosted a Fresh Futures Market event, which invited disabled people and friends and family to learn more about local opportunities – including the NDIS – from service providers.
Alex Tyson from Focal Extended Inc told The Queensland Times that more than 60 organisations attended the market on Wednesday (August 26). She claimed disabled people have many options in Ipswich and described the event as a one-stop shop for disability services information.
“This includes learning about employment, volunteering, education, leisure, post school, respite, carer, community and disability support options,” Ms Tyson stated.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
