Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan):
My constituency question is directed to the Honourable Luke Donnellan, MP. My question relates to the minister’s portfolio responsibilities for disability, ageing and carers.
The Work That Matters campaign is aiming to match the growing demand for disability support workers in Victoria through developing a strong and skilled disability workforce. The campaign forms part of the Andrews Labor government’s $26 million workforce plan for the NDIS, ‘Keeping our sector strong’, to support the federal government, which is responsible for the NDIS.
The campaign is running on radio, print and online and includes a new online hub with resources and information to support entrants into the disability sector, help current employees progress their career, and employers recruit workers. This campaign is aiming to expand the size and capability of Victoria’s disability workforce and highlight the crucial work carried out every day by the thousands of people that make up Victoria’s diverse disability support workforce.
My question to the minister is: can the minister please provide an update on how this initiative benefits my constituents of Western Metropolitan Region? Can the minister also advise the types of disability support workers that are most needed in the Western Metropolitan Region?
Reply:
James Merlino MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Education, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers(18 November 2021):
I thank Ms Vaghela, Member for Western Metropolitan for her question.
Since the Work that Matters campaign launched on 3 August 2021, people working in a variety of roles across the Victorian disability sector have shared their career stories to shine a light on disability support work as an option for people looking to build a rewarding career.
The campaign has also celebrated the incredibly important work carried out every day by the many people that make up the diverse disability support workforce, including those in the Western Metropolitan Region.
With the growing number of Victorians participating in the NDIS and changes to the way people with disability access support, the campaign has helped people to get the support they need and deserve from the NDIS.
There are a variety of roles in the disability sector, from entry-level workers to management and administration roles. However, the roles most needed right across Victoria are disability support workers and allied health professionals.
Thank you again, Ms Vaghela, for this question.