Disability Sector

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:44): Supplementary arising from the original answer: what is the contingency plan in case a disability support organisation or supported residential facility collapses during this crisis?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:44): We would hope that we would get early notification from any providers if they are having particular difficulties. I have already mentioned that we are looking at transitioning staff arrangements across the sector. In effect, if one provider was having to lay off staff they may be able to be picked up by another organisation, because NDIS-funded services, I think, would definitely be considered essential services and there is demand for disability staff, as there has been for some time since the NDIS commenced in South Australia. That workforce is certainly one that is highly valued and there are ongoing vacancies and opportunities.

I met with a particular provider a month or maybe six weeks ago who was looking at recruiting at that stage, so there are certainly plenty of opportunities for staff, and I am sure the commonwealth has contingencies in place for this issue as well. Given that they are the funder and regulator, they have much better line of sight over the financial ongoings of non-government organisations in the disability sector these days than does the South Australian government, given their role.