COVID-19 

The winter cold and flu season and the ongoing risks of COVID-19 are very much upon us. NDS has recently updated our COVID-19 Toolkit to include the latest risk management advice.  

On the COVID theme, I am looking forward to taking part in the forum organised by the NSW Aging and Disability Advisory Board. It will discuss the lessons from the COVID-19 response and what we can do differently to prepare for future pandemics or disasters. NSW Ageing and Disability Board are releasing a report on this topic, and we will provide a news update about it soon.  

NDIA Price Guide 

We are receiving feedback from providers on the impact of the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for 2023–24. The 2023–24 prices include a full pass on of the 5.75 per cent increase to award wages announced recently by the Fair Work commission. However, therapy supports, Level two and three support coordination and plan management have received no increase yet again. Our full response to the Price Limits can be found on our website.

NDS Workforce Census Report 

NDS has released its annual workforce census, which is created in collaboration with the Centre for Disability Research and Policy at the University of Sydney. The report showed that worsening conditions of previous years have stabilised. However, with the undersupply of workers and high turnover, the situation remains very challenging. Workforce strategies is one of the top priorities for NSW and the report contains NSW specific data to inform our advocacy work on behalf of members.     

NSW Quality Network 

The NSW Quality Network has recently reviewed its terms of reference and attendees gave the forum a ‘highly useful’ rating. We encourage all members to get involved in this network meeting. The forum meets monthly via video call and is attended by senior quality and safeguarding leaders or staff with signification Quality and Safeguarding responsibilities.   

Its agenda and guest speakers are focused on priorities for NSW — for example the implementation of the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 that comes in from late November. So, the network is complimentary to but different from the NDS National Community of Practice Quality and Safeguarding. If you want to find out more or register for the next meeting in July, please contact Jenny Klause, Sector Development and Support Consultation:  submit enquiry/feedback.  

NSW Divisional Committee 

In early July nominations open for the NSW Divisional Committee. We encourage the nomination of anyone who would like to bring their senior leadership disability expertise to support NDS on priorities and strategies for both NSW and nationally. On a broad range of issues, the Committee supports the NDS State Manager in engaging with the NSW State Government and the disability support sector.  

The Committee holds monthly meetings, and committee members can be part of a range of activities that identify and advocate for solutions to key issues affecting the people of NSW with a disability (in particular, those not eligible for the NDIS) and the services who support them. Committee members can participate in regional workshops and city forums, allowing them to engage with members and hear their priorities and ideas.  

Philip Petrie (Chair) states that it is all about maximising impact, “The Committee addresses issues and challenges in a manner that recognises the impacts on all members and seeks solutions which benefit as many members as possible.” Julia Squire (Vice Chair) says “with the upcoming anticipated reform agenda from the NDIS Review and the Disability Royal Commission, the next few years are a critical opportunity for the Committee to contribute and advocate for positive change in NSW and nationally.” 

With a new government in NSW, NDS is committed to promoting a robust and vibrant disability support sector in the State.  

The Committee welcomes nominations from the voting representatives of NDS members in NSW who believe in this vision and who want to do more to assist in making it a reality. 

Upcoming events 

On 4 July, the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) will discuss their research on the experience of the NDIS workforce. You can learn more and register for this online event on our webpage.  Please keep the entries coming in for the inaugural  National Disability Awards. These awards recognize and promote the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups and organisations working to create an inclusive Australia where people with disability are valued, respected and can contribute to the community. Who doesn’t want to be part of the inaugural awards event? Nominations close at the end of July. More information, including how to nominate someone you know is deserving of recognition, can be found on our webpage.