Gaps and risks emerging in the Hunter NDIS trial site May 2015 (PDF version)

Many members state wide have expressed interest in what has been happening in the ADHC trial site in the Hunter. The Local Campaign Action Group (LCAG) was established there in June 2014 and members have monitored and actively campaigned around government initiatives being introduced in the implementation of the NDIS in NSW.

Hunter LCAG has identified a number of problems with the devolution of the Community Support Teams (CSTs) including case management and therapeutic support services.

For a more detailed fact sheet click HERE.

Our expectation is the Government will draw on the Hunter trial to quickly roll out the NDIS in other districts. The announcement by Premier Baird to provide access from 1 July 2015 to the NDIS for children with disability in Nepean/Blue Mountains confirms this. The NDIS transition is to commence in July 2016, for completion by 2018.

The PSA’s concerns about fast-tracking the NDIS roll out of the in the Nepean and Blue Mountains have been aired on the ABC.

You can read the ABC News article HERE

Members have reported across ADHC, staff have been encouraged to seek Section 66 secondments for work with NGOs and other private providers to gain experience in that sector. We have been told that only some have taken this up. Since the privatisation relies on the transfer of skilled ADHC staff, the reluctance of staff to move clearly signals a looming workforce crisis. However there is no sign that the Government is paying attention.

What can you do?

• Print this bulletin and fact sheet and display them on your notice-boards.

• Discuss the issues with delegates in your workplace.

• Table this bulletin and the fact sheet at your team meetings (using the approved 15 mins per meeting)

• Become active in your Local Campaign Action Group (LCAG).

• Talk to your colleagues about the importance of joining the PSA.

The PSA is campaigning to preserve ADHC as a provider of front-line and specialist disability services. We need all ADHC workers and the community at large to be aware of the emerging gaps and risks in the NDIS transition being implemented in NSW. We all want the quality disability and home care services the NDIS can provide, but not at the expense of choice for parents, carers, clients and the employment interest and conditions of staff.

Join us in calling for the situation to change.