TAFE & Adult Provision NDIS brought into cabinet

We welcome the inclusion of disability in the cabinet as part of Anthony Albanese’s first ministry, indicating that the incoming Labor government recognises the importance of supporting and improving our essential NDIS. New disability minister Bill Shorten has said that Labor will return to its original vision of the NDIS by appointing people with disability to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and committing to a co-design of the scheme.

In more local news, we were disappointed to see a non-union agreement voted up at Araluen disability service, covering administrative and residential staff as well as our day service members. Thanks to the advocacy of AEU members, the agreement has some positive elements, including 15 days personal leave for all staff. However, not all staff receive the same conditions.

At Nadrasca, we are still finalising the agreement, with the threat of industrial action forcing management back to the table to re-negotiate those clauses still in contention.

Members at Mambourin may also consider taking protected action, with negotiations in progress for more than two years now. The employer remains unwilling to offer wages above the award, despite recent profits, boosted in part by JobKeeper payments.