A discussion paper on the proposed Disability Employment Services Quality Framework, that puts people with disability at the centre of the services they receive, is now available for public consultation.
The draft framework is the next step in ensuring people living with disability receive the best possible service from providers helping them to find employment.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said improving employment outcomes for people with disability is a key focus of Australia’s Disability Strategy.
“A specialist disability employment services model will replace the current Disability Employment Services program from July 1, 2025,” the minister said. Adjustments to the current program will be made to improve service quality and embed the views and feedback of participants in how quality is measured, she said.
It is being developed with consultation from disability representative groups, current DES providers and disability sector organisations and includes:
- Participants rights
- Quality of service
- Provider capability and governance
- Feedback and complaints
- Formal assurance.
Feedback on the discussion paper is invited from Disability Employment Services providers, peak bodies, disability advocacy groups and individuals.
There are 4.4 million Australians with disability and those who want to work often face barriers with the unemployment rate of people with disability more than double the national average.
The discussion paper can be found at engage.dss.gov.au. Submissions close on February 26, 2023.