$33 million injection to come to disability and aged care sector workforce
The Australian Government is inviting selected organisations specialising in business sector growth and transition to submit applications for leading a new $33 million investment in the disability and aged care sector workforce.
$33 million Government investment to come to aged care to help work force growth (Source: Shutterstock)
With the disability workforce expected to double by 2020, and aged care growth expected to increase from 366,000 to 980,000 workers by 2050, the Government has committed $33 million to the Boosting Local Care Workforce Opportunity as it aims to create more jobs in regions that require strong job growth.
Minister for Social Services Christian Porter and Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice, says ten organisations renowned for their business expertise were shortlisted as applicants for the program.
“This three-year package was first announced in the 2017-18 Federal Budget,” Minister Porter says.
“It is designed to increase capacity in rural, regional and outer-metropolitan areas so NDIS participants and older Australians seeking aged care services have access to high quality services and support.”
The lead organisation selected through the grant process will be responsible for delivering, managing and reporting to the Australian Government on the three initiatives that make up the package:
- $9.1 million for the Care Workforce Regional Coordinator Initiative, including engaging up to 25 skilled Care Workforce Regional Coordinators across Australia supporting NDIS and aged care providers in regional, rural and outer metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, and raising awareness of new employment opportunities.
- $4.1 million for the nationally focused Specialist Coordinators Initiative, taking a national approach to disability sector market issues by establishing up to 10 Specialist Coordinators to address key focus areas
- $19.8 million for the Sector Transition and Employer Support Initiative assisting eligible NDIS service providers with professional advice expertise and small grants to help them to prepare their businesses to become NDIS ready.
“Shortlisted organisations have extensive experience delivering business support to a variety of sectors across Australia, and exceptional networks and influence within the specialised service sector,” Minister Prentice says.
“The successful applicant will have the ability to influence and engage with service providers nationally as well as in specified regions, as well as the proven ability to deliver national targeted programs or projects for government.”
Applications for Boosting Local Care Workforce Opportunity are due by Tuesday, 26 September 2017 and will be followed by a rigorous assessment process.
The successful organisation is expected to be finalised by December 2017 and the package to roll out shortly after.
