The Albanese Labor Government's vision of a New Specialist Disability Employment Program that puts participants back at the centre is one step closer to being realised with a request for tender now open.
From 1 July next year the new program will replace the current Disability Employment Services program to improve the employment and career outcomes for people with disability through high quality, individualised and effective specialist disability employment services.
The new Program will focus on providing tailored supports to assist people with disability, injury and/or a health condition to find and maintain suitable, sustainable employment that supports their career goals.
It will build a more viable and attractive market that includes a wider range of small and specialist providers with deep expertise to provide real choice for people with disability.
The new specialist Program features several key changes, including:
- expanded eligibility to help more people with disability, injury and/or a health condition to prepare for and find sustainable employment. This will support up to 15,000 additional people a year with an assessed work capacity below eight hours per week, and people not on income support;
- the removal of the current two-year program limit;
- a focus on the meaningful engagement of participants by providers, with the expectation that providers will work with participants to build positive relationships and take a partnership-based approach to goal setting and engagement in activities; and
- increased flexibility and customisation to meet the individual needs of participants through two new service offers based around intensive or flexible servicing arrangements.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the design of the new Program will see providers place both participants and employers at the centre of their services, focusing on these important relationships rather than unnecessary complexity.
"We are inviting organisations with diverse expertise and a focus on providing quality services and are passionate about improving employment outcomes for people with disability to submit a tender response," Minister Rishworth said.
"Under the new Program, providers will be expected to design and deliver services to meet the unique needs of their participants and employers.
"We are prioritising both intensive and flexible services to meet the individual needs of participants and will expand eligibility to help those who will benefit most. Because we believe that if a person with disability wants help to find a job, support should be available."
The new specialist Program was announced as part of this year's Budget, following two years of stakeholder consultation on DES reforms.
The program's design has been informed by extensive consultation with the disability employment sector and multiple reviews, including feedback received through public consultation on an Exposure Draft of the request for tender in August 2024.
Interested organisations can submit a tender through AusTender.
