Registrations for Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme closes April 30, 2017. People with an intellectual impairment who worked in the Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) and had their wages calculated under the BSWAT scheme between January 1, 2004 and May 28, 2014 could be eligible for a one-off payment of $100 or more. It is estimated that about 10,000 supported employees, including some former supported employees, could be entitled to a payment.
According to the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Jane Prentice, there are more than 180 ADEs with 283 outlets across Australia employing more than 20,000 people with disability. The minister made the announcement at Makeables, a Multicap ADE in Brisbane where employees deliver a range of services including packing and assembly work (pictured).
The government is also seeking input from employers to improve employment outcomes for people with disability. This followed a recent meeting with the Australian Network on Disability, employers and the Business Council of Australia to discuss reforms to the Disability Employment Scheme. The minister said the discussion is one of many in the push for better employer engagement alongside the DES program that involves a sharing of views and ideas.
A discussion paper was launched last November calling for public input to ensure the scheme “is the best it can be,” the minister said. A new and improved DES will be implemented in 2018.
For more information on BSWAT and to register visit: www.dss.gov.au/BSWAT or call 1800 799 515