Fair Work Commission varies modern award superannuation clauses

As part of its review of modern award superannuation clauses, the Fair Work Commission has varied the Supported Employment Services (SES) Award.  

The superannuation contribution clause for employees with disability has been varied to bring it into line with the superannuation guarantee rate of 11 per cent that took effect on 9 April. The rate will increase to 11.5 per cent on 1 July.

NDIA refreshes Participant Employment Strategy 

The NDIA has released a refreshed Participant Employment Strategy for 2024 to 2026. The strategy is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of NDIS employment supports. The strategy aligns with an updated Employment Action Plan, which includes four focus areas and 16 priority actions over the next three years. The strategy will also measure and report on a series of Participant Employment Strategy domains.

DSS delays additional DES indexation payment

DSS has told DES providers that the lump-sum top-up payment for the additional fee indexation for claims with an outcome before 17 February 2024 will be delayed. Rather than late-March, the payment will be made in mid-April. Once the payment has been processed, DSS will tell providers how it was calculated.

NDS releases guide to the use of NDIS employment supports 

NDS has released a Good Practice Guide on the Use of NDIS Employment Supports for our members. Running through the principles of good practice in providing employment supports for NDIS participants, the guide outlines the Customised Employment (CE) service model and how employment support providers can work with mainstream employers.  

New report shows no improvement in employment of people with disability over the past 20 years

A report from Curtin University shows stagnant employment rates for people with disability, despite policy reforms and increased funding. Employment and Disability in Australia says that increasing employment of this group by 10 per cent could add $16 billion to the economy annually. The report also stresses how much work fulfills lives and increases independence for people with disability. 

The research found a large gap in employment rates between those with and without disability, with the former consistently less likely to be employed. The report also notes high turnover rates among full-time workers with disability and the effect of the NDIS on employment prospects. 

Its recommendations for a more inclusive workforce include a “work first” approach, enhancing public sector employment initiatives, and promoting employer leadership in disability inclusion. The report also calls for better education-to-work transitions and establishing a National Disability Employment Agency. 

Blended payment trials to start shortly 

The federal government will soon begin trials of blended payments, focussing on two areas:  

The trials will focus on co-design to improve results and drive innovative service design. You can sign up for updates from the DSS Engage webpage.