Article in today’s (20 Oct15) Sydney Morning Herald, including reference to Sunnyfield supported employees at:
It seems that pretty much all Sunnyfield Enterprises families disagree, completely, with Samantha French. Maybe she will volunteer to look after the kids if they get put out of work?
Secondly...
In a further positive development, the new Social Services Minister, Christian Porter, has expressed his support for ADEs in an interview with Alan Jones, stating:
"We have to devise an appropriate and proper wage system going forward that aligns with the Court's ruling [and] that preserves the ability of disability enterprises to employ Australians with a disability because, as you point out, for a long time that system has worked, worked incredibly well - provided wages, yes, but more importantly, dignity, friendship, social relations. So, the challenge for the government is to ensure a way in which wages and remuneration can be sustained in a way that accords with that judgment that you've spoken of that doesn't basically, if I can put not too fine a point on it, put disability enterprises out of business."
This comes from an NDS news update which says...
Progress made in Fair Work Commission BSWAT conciliation
Following extensive discussion, the parties in the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) conciliation process have agreed on objectives that include a commitment to sustainable employment in financially viable ADEs.
Last week's hearing was the first to be held since NDS released two research reports demonstrating:
- the potential impact of increased wage costs on the viability of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs); and
- the value of looking at alternative ways of defining and measuring 'productivity' in supported employment, rather than relying solely on 'the rate of productive output' (as occurs in the Supported Wage System).
Supported employees, their parents and service providers have been increasingly vocal in expressing concern about the future of supported employment.
The objectives agreed by all parties at the FWC include:
- a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory wage outcome to contribute to a living income for employees in supported employment;
- continued opportunities for employment in supported employment settings to build and maintain employee self-esteem and sense of purpose;
- sustainable employment opportunities in viable ADEs; and
- providing security and confidence to employees, parents and carers for the future.
The parties will continue to investigate how to achieve these objectives, including by developing and testing various wage assessment options.
NDS welcomes the shared commitment from all parties to ensuring that supported employment remains a viable option for people with disability. The real test, however, is to agree on a solution that gives practical effect to these objectives.
Keep writing those letters.
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