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Government committed to supported employment
Christen Dittmer has worked for Greenacres in Wollongong for five years .
But a court ruling in 2012 found that tool was discriminatory for two workers with intellectual disability . The findings went to the Human Rights Commission which decided that a new wage model should be put in place . All parties have since been working to come up with a new tool through the Fair Work Commission process , with a decision expected in February .
For many supported employees , the pay is second to what they actually do . For Christen Dittmer , it ’ s as much about the job as it is about life .
“ I really like working at Greenacres and I don ’ t want to work anywhere else ,” Christen said .
“ I love the atmosphere and the people in general . I have been helped by Greenacres so many times over the years , not just in my job but in my life .
“ If I lost my job , I would probably be depressed . There would be no social outlet for me and I would feel useless . At Greenacres , I feel respected and I feel like my job is important .”
The Federal Government told Link it is committed to supporting high quality and stable job outcomes for people with disability and to ensure that any new wage settings for supported employees allows for the ongoing viability of Australian Disability Enterprises ( ADEs ) for employees , their families and the business .
A spokesperson from the Department of Social Services said that the Department has been an observer , and not a party , in the Fair Work Commission conciliation process since December 2013 . The parties , through conciliation , have accessed the support provided by the Government to develop a productivity-based wage assessment tool .
“ The Government is committed to ensuring ADEs are supported to become strong and viable businesses , and continue to provide effective employment for Australia ’ s 20,000 workers in supported employment ,” the spokesperson said .
“ This commitment includes almost $ 200 million in funding for the sector to adjust to new wage arrangements for supported employees in readiness for expected higher wage outcomes and transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme ( NDIS ).
“ Wage supplementation commitments and business transformation support , are focused on encouraging ADEs to develop a clear timeline for reform and implement changes to their businesses to enable them to take advantage of opportunities that the NDIS presents .
“ This funding complements ongoing investment made by the Government in ADEs , which includes access to funding support for business improvement advice and future business planning .”
The spokesperson said supported employment is part of an employment continuum that includes more open employment options , giving participants a greater sense of belonging and independence .
“ The rollout of the NDIS to full scheme , presents opportunities to expand and diversify the supported employment sector in this regard ,” the spokesperson said .
“ Under the NDIS people will have greater choice and control over the support options they access . Supported employment is one option that will offer individualised and tailored support to an NDIS participant to achieve their employment goals .
“ We expect the number of NDIS participants with employment included in their NDIS plan will grow into the future .”
36 employment linkonline . com . au