2016 Disability Employment Australia Annual Report by Disability Employment

Annual Report THE FUTURE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT

2015-2016 1

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

Contents Chairperson’s Report

Member Story: MAX Employment

CEO’s Report

2016 Members

Member Story: Ability Options

Snapshot of 2015-2016

Policy 9 Submissions 11 Capability Development

Member Story: Wise Employment

Networking and Relationships

14- 15

Australia’s Disability Employment Conference 2016

16-17

Hall of Fame 2016

18-19

DEA Member Roadshows

National Leaders’ Forum

Looking Ahead

2015/16 Staff & Board

About Disability Employment Australia Disability Employment Australia (DEA) is the peak industry body for Australia's Disability Employment Services (DES). We are recognised internationally as the pre-eminent organisation representing, supporting and resourcing the disability employment sector throughout Australia. As a membership organisation, we exist to represent the interests of Disability Employment Services at a national level to government and a range of other stakeholders, such as consumer and employer groups. Disability Employment Australia supports the Australian Government to deliver high quality employment support to people with disability in Australia. We have a unique responsibility to foster innovation and flexibility of service within the Disability Employment Services program. We support our members to achieve best practice service provision in their role to find employment outcomes for people with disability. We advise, advocate, train, inform and undertake events to strengthen and promote the sector. We believe in the right of every member of society to be included fully in the community, and to have control over their own life choices. Participation in the open labour market is a crucial factor in realising this goal. We strive to inspire, challenge and celebrate the Disability Employment Services sector.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT Chairperson, Donna Faulkner

I, like most of you I’m sure, can’t believe it is October 2016 already – time for me to sit, reflect, and write my contribution for Disability Employment Australia’s Annual Report. Disability Employment Australia (DEA) is the key peak body for Disability Employment Services in Australia and continues to work diligently to influence the future direction of employment services for far beyond today. We have represented, resourced and supported our members again this year through representation to government, numerous stakeholder meetings, one-on-one and group consultations, training, webinars, National Leaders’ Forums, national roadshows, and of course, the annual Disability Employment Conference. I would like to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the success of our work this year, particularly your participation in the range of activities we deliver – we know this takes significant time and commitment. It was at the national Disability Employment Conference in Melbourne in August this year where I had the pleasure of announcing the 2016 inductee into Disability Employment Australia’s ‘Hall of Fame’. This year’s recipient was the Honourable Emeritus Professor Peter Baume AC for his contribution to the broader disability employment sector in Australia (see page 19). Of particular importance to Disability Employment Australia was Peter’s role in the 1994 Review of the Commonwealth Disability Services Program (which was later known as The Baume Review). The Baume Review focused on the employment-related aspects of the program underpinned by the Disability Services Act 1986. Peter’s induction was very timely as 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the Disability Services Act. I congratulate my fellow Directors who have worked diligently to continue to align the direction of the Board with our commitment to review the strategic direction, while at the same time ensuring a governance-focused approach remains key to the functionality of the Board. Even though the future will be different, Disability Employment Australia is cognisant that we have a strong IP-based business and possess a strong history and knowledge of the sector. This will enable us to further influence the broader public agenda as Australia moves forward with the implementation of the NDIS. I thank our CEO, Rick Kane, and his team for their tireless work in ensuring that Disability Employment Australia continues to be regarded by our members, government and key stakeholders as the ‘go to’ peak body for disability employment. Last but not least I thank you, our members, who have significantly influenced and will continue to contribute to the success of Disability Employment Australia and the sector, whatever it may look like in the future. We know the value of employment and must continue to actively promote the strong value of a rights-based program to ensure people with a disability can live, work and play the same as every other citizen in Australia.

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015 - 2016

MEMBER STORY: MAX EMPLOYMENT “I feel rejuvenated and accepted. To be working is a really positive thing.”

MAX Employment understands the importance of connecting with employers to build a network of disability confident employers. The foundation of these relationships relies on an understanding of the employer’s needs, their work environment and culture, the inherent requirements of the position, and the skills required to get the job fit right. We understand that employer engagement is a series of steps, not a single event. In 2015 MAX established a relationship with Masters Robina to strengthen their diversity in the workplace. “We wanted to build a really strong rapport with Masters to secure opportunities for our DES candidates. It was important we understood their workplace requirements and knew what roles were available before we referred potential candidates.” After working in a family owned business for over 20 years Chris (pictured) registered with MAX in 2015. While Chris’s primary disability of dwarfism required specific workplace adjustments, his ability and determination shone through with Chris describing himself as a little man with a big personality. MAX’s Allied Health Professional completed a detailed assessment with Chris upon commencement to gain an understanding of his disability

considering his career aspirations and life goals. MAX’s Exercise Physiologist created a Work Conditioning Program to build strength and endurance prior to commencing work. MAX Employment also extensively worked with Chris on his interview and confidence skills. Compliance Manager Craig said MAX’s ongoing engagement with Masters made him feel confident that MAX understood Chris’ business needs and were committed to providing a service that supported both the candidate and the employer. Chris was referred and successful in his application at Masters and became a valued employee. “Chris has a fantastic attitude, it is one of positivity, can-do anything, and he has shown that he can make a difference and an impact in our team quite significantly and quite quickly,” said Craig. MAX continued to engage Chris and Craig post-placement, attending regular workplace visits to ensure we delivered on the commitment of support to all parties. Chris says the support he received from MAX has been invaluable. “I feel rejuvenated and accepted. To be working is a really positive thing.” Chris has now exited as an Independent Worker, and MAX Employment’s relationship with Masters continues.

CEO’S REPORT Chief Executive Officer, Rick Kane

Disability employment is undergoing the most substantial review of its long and illustrious lifespan. The review was premised on aligning the principles of the NDIS to DES and improving and increasing workforce participation for people with disability. It is expected that the ‘new look’ disability employment framework will be purpose built to respond to the needs and expectations of 2020 rather than another iteration of DOES/DEN/DES. Coincidentally, the Government requested the Australian Human Rights Commission undertake a National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination against Older Australians and Australians with Disability through 2015/16. The DES review took off at a fair speed. From July to December 2015 the National Disability Employment Framework Taskforce produced an Issues Paper and a Discussion Paper. These guiding documents were followed up with consultations and public forums, with opportunities to respond formally and through a survey. This process created a new avenue for DEA to engage with members. DEA wanted to ensure that its voice was the representative voice of the sector, so along with webinars, updates, National Leaders’ Forums and focus groups we also staged roadshows – meeting with members in mainland capital cities three times during the DES review. These roadshow meetings proved invaluable forums to discuss at length with members the state of the review. Many important issues were relayed directly to the Minister and DSS. The February roadshow enabled DEA to demonstrate the sector’s support for the future direction of disability employment but also to reinforce the need for a more detailed Paper to explain the regulatory, performance and financial parameters. The momentum slowed considerably during the first six months of 2016, but DEA did not slow down its engagement with the wide range of stakeholders. DEA is satisfied that our contribution to the greater review kept the concept of individualisation central to the future of disability employment. As we consider the final Discussion Paper, DSS has made it clear that individualisation, service quality and employer engagement are the three focal points of review and change. DEA worked with DSS and members to ensure the current DES programme was scrutinised for improvement. Our advocacy contributed to the Ongoing Support trial (due to end in September 2016) being extended to the end of the contract. DEA will continue to represent providers concerns with the 23-hour benchmark. We understand it will be difficult to see this changed in the current contract but that will not deter our work. We wrote an Issues Paper following a webinar and consultation with members. We will continue to highlight the 23-hour benchmark negative impact on jobseekers and providers. There are a number of other variations to contract that we welcome and believe they demonstrate DSS is working collaboratively with the sector. Our work will continue. DEA will push to remove the Programme Review, which is currently conducted for each participant (excluding Job in Jeopardy participants) once they have received approximately 78 weeks of Employment Assistance. We want to overhaul the Job in Jeopardy program (including the name!), and we think the Minister’s office will be interested to see this program refreshed. While this report represents the end of the financial year 2015/16 the work continues. Thank you to the DEA team (Helen, Sharlie and Bevan) for true commitment, your hard work and maintaining a sense of humour. Thank you to a wonderful Board, for your guidance and support. And thank you to our members for the significant impact you make not just on your participant’s lives but on how that assistance and support strengthens communities and the social and economic fabric of Australia.

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

MEMBERSHIP

2015-2016 Members

Disability Employment Australia is first and foremost a membership organisation. We exist to represent, support and resource our members to deliver high quality Disability Employment Services. On 30 June 2016 we had 90 members.

Ability Options Limited

Ideal Placements

Serendipity (WA) Pty Ltd

alffie

Job Futures Ltd t/a coAct

SkillsPlus Inc

Anglicare Tasmania Inc

Joblink Plus

Spinal Injuries Association

Angus Knight Group

Jobsupport

St. Laurence Community Services Inc

Artius

Key Employment Association

STEPS Disability QLD

ASTERIA Services Inc

Kimberley Personnel Inc

SYC

Autism Association of Western Australia Inc

LEAD Employment

The Bridge Inc

Barkuma Inc

Leading Directions

The Disability Trust

BEST Employment Ltd

Lifestyle Solutions Australia Pty Ltd

The MS Society of SA and NT inc

Bizlink Inc

Link Personnel

The ORS Group

BlueLine Employment

Links Community Services

Tursa Employment and Training

Break Thru People Solutions

Marillac

Uniting Care Wesley - Port Adelaide

Building Brighter Futures

MatchWorks

Uniting Care Wesley Country SA Inc

Campbell Page

MAX Employment

UnitingCare Community Employment Service

Castle Personnel Services Ltd

Minda Inc

Verto

CatholicCare Direct Employment

Mission Australia

Victorian Deaf Society

Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland

Nortec Employment and Training

Vision Australia

CIM Employment

Northcott Disability Services

Waminda Services Limited

Community Bridging Services Inc (CBS)

NorthStar Employment Services

Westgate Community Initiatives Group Inc

CVGT Australia

Nova Employment

Westside Community Services Limited

Darwin Skills Development Scheme Inc

OCTEC Inc

WISE Employment Ltd

Deaf Society of NSW (The)

Ostara Australia

Work Solutions Gippsland

Echo Australia

Outlook Employment

WorkFocus Group

EDGE Employment Solutions

Peel Valley Training Enterprise Inc

Worklink Employment Support Group Inc

Enterprise & Training Company Ltd

Personnel Group (The)

Workpower

EPIC Employment Service Inc

Personnel Placement Consultancies

WVA. Inc. / Jobs West

Forrest Personnel Inc

Red Cross Employment Services

Xcelerate Employment Services (Sydney

Gold Coast Employment Support Service Inc

Royal Society for the Blind

Rehabilitation Services)

Great Southern Personnel Inc

Salvation Army Employment Plus (The)

Your Employment Success

headspace National Youth Mental Foundation

SCI Workforce

Hume Employment Service Limited

Selway & Weewanda Pty Ltd

MEMBER STORY: ABILITY OPTIONS Healthshare provide shared services to the NSW health system and employ staff right across New South Wales. To date, Healthshare have placed eight Ability Options candidates into roles across their customer service and administration divisions. Ability Options Employment Advisor, Michael Francis has been working alongside Bronwyn Scott, Healthshare Disability Employment Leader since January 2016. Bronwyn’s responsibility is to help make Healthshare more inclusive and welcoming to people with disability, not only their employees but also their customers and visitors. “A really important part of my role is facilitating the employment of people with disability. I do that by training our recruiting managers and also supporting them through the recruitment process. I also work with staff with disability to help them obtain the work place adjustments that they might need to do their job.” said Bronwyn.

“Ability Options made it easy for us by bringing together their best candidates for a group interview. It gave the candidates the opportunity to talk about their aspirations as well as their capabilities. It gave me the opportunity to understand where they might fit best,” said Bronwyn. One such new employee is Allan Shipley. Allan is currently working with Healthshare as a customer service representative in their repairs department. Alan’s role is to talk to people on the phone and organise repairs to their equipment such as wheelchairs. “I find my job very rewarding, knowing that I have helped someone,” said Allan. Allan says his job gives him more stability in his life, and has also helped with his confidence to get out and about. “I now have the chance to do more things, I work hard and am working my way up to becoming a supervisor one day,” said Allan with a smile.

“I now have the chance to do more things, I work hard and am working my way up to becoming a supervisor one day.”

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

HIGHLIGHTS Snapshot of 2015-2016

We would like to thank you for your support and membership of Disability Employment Australia over the 2015-16 year. In partnership with our members, over the past 12 months we have achieved much, including:

Leading the sector in responding to government consultations over the future of the DES programmes (Issues Paper and Discussion Paper survey response)

Ensuring future directions align to contemporary disability policy directions (as outlined by National Disability Strategy 2010-20 and the NDIS)

Ensuring the DES Business Reallocation was treated with a considered rather than blunt approach: While there were 26% of contracts in scope, only 16% were reallocated

Trial of $5,000 ‘Career Accounts’ for young people experiencing mental ill-health and participating in DES

P P P

Delivery of our popular in-house ‘Achieving DES Star Ratings’ training workshop

P P

Increased social media presence and influence

P P

Promoting the role of DES providers in the AHRC Willing to Work Inquiry

P P

2016 Members’ Survey

P P P

Flexibility introduced in the delivery of Ongoing Support

P P P P P P P P P P P P

Working with NDIA (re: development of SLES program)

Partnering with researchers across three Australian Research Council linkage grants Increased visibility across Australia as we consulted with members during two national roadshows

Regular members’ webinar meetings (attended by 350 participants, including NDEF Discussion Paper webinar that attracted 70% of members)

Continued advocacy regarding maintaining considered approach to DES business reallocation

Conference, Leaders’ Forums and roadshows attracting the largest representation of DES providers of any disability employment gatherings held in the last year

Developing clarity between the NDIA and DES providers Developed relationships with Centre for Disability Studies at Sydney University, Griffith University and ANU Crawford School

Continued international engagements with the UK, US and NZ Increased media presence, including TV interview Active across social media platforms Operational help desk Regular members’ bulletins Star Ratings analysis Presentations at members’ internal conferences and forums Assistance with members’ strategic planning Deep and considered Budget analysis and briefings DES Contractual Compliance train-the-trainer package Exclusive members’ content on our website

POLICY The Future of Disability Employment

The central focus of 2015/16 was, of course, the future of disability employment, which includes DES, NDIS, mental health reforms, and wider welfare reforms. In other parts of this Annual Report we cover the extent of Disability Employment Australia’s consultation with members, and our engagement with DSS and Government. We show our commitment to evidence-based, best-practice research and programs. The majority of our time and resources were invested in this important work, however Disability Employment Australia continued to lead in relation to current programme policy, as well as considering emerging policy and its value becoming operational practice. Through the DES Operational Working Group we take up policy/programme challenges. These policy concerns come from ongoing discussions with members. We identify policy weaknesses and work with the Department to achieve continual improvements in policy and practice. We don’t win every issue but that doesn’t deter us. Here are a few policy and programme guidelines we have challenged: •

Issues and considerations arising following the operation of the new 23-hour benchmark in DES (ongoing campaign)

•

Allow providers to articulate from a pathway outcome to a full outcome in the same period of service (i.e. allowing more than one 13 or 26 week outcome) in a costneutral way by paying any subsequent full outcome pro-rata (this was rejected, but it was acknowledged that it had merit, it was believed the IT build cost would be prohibitive)

•

When accessing Job in Jeopardy Assistance employers should be allowed to nominate their preferred provider (this was accepted, but DEA argues the evidence caveats are too burdensome)

•

Outcome requirements should be more flexible especially around breaks in employment; abolish the need to provide evidence for breaks in employment, and give providers four weeks flexibility, e.g. 17 weeks maximim to achieve 13 weeks of employment (this was rejected, it was argued it does not align with policy intent around sustainable employment)

•

Give participants more choice and control over how funds are spent by trialling learning accounts (accepted through a trial for young people – $5,000 career account)

•

Give providers more flexibility over how they deliver ongoing support – argument based on DEA career trial where 75% reported a positive outcome (accepted with an ongoing support trial initiated with more flexibility around mode of contact and being able to access training for upskilling)

•

Ongoing support is critical to DES, there is a need to recognise time with employers, and include career development, conceptualised as ‘in-work’ supports (campaign in progress – we contest that ongoing support is an activity not a milestone; it should not be performance measured, unbuckling would lead to increased ongoing support, which would lead to increase in sustainable employment and career planning)

•

Reduce red tape by allowing providers to determine the most appropriate mode of contact (rejected, DSS argued mandatory face-to-face contacts are not red tape as they are contracted services)

•

Allow concurrency between ADE and DES (accepted, trial underway)

•

Abolish need for programme reviews and summaries, given 90% of participants return to original provider and other factors (in progress!)

Disability Employment Australia casts its policy interests well beyond current practice. For example, we are investigating how Peer Support might enhance employment outcomes and sustainability. In the UK people with disability “report that peer support for employment offers hope, new belief in possibilities, encouragement, role models, relationships of trust, a new balance of power, holistic support with connected life issues and a sustainable support network.” Source: Sayce, L & Fagelman, N (2016) Peer Support for Employment: A Practice Review, Disability Rights UK

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

Disability Employment Australia

2016 MEMBER SURVEY O VE R V IE W

Percentage of DEA member organisations represented in the survey

SN A P SH O T: SA TISFACT ION Overall Satisfaction

D is ability E mpl o y me n t A us tra l i a (D E A) c on d ucte d a n A s s o ci a ti o n s Matte r Surve y w i th i ts me mbe rs i n Marc h /April 2 0 1 6 . Th e s urv e y w a s c on duc te d by a n i n d e pe n d e n t re s e arc h o rg a n i s a ti o n , S urv e y Matte rs . The y be n ch ma rk e d th e D E A Me mbe r’s Surv e y a g a i n s t th e 2015 As s oc i a ti o n s Ma tte r S urv e y . Th is e n abled us to cl e a rl y s e e h o w we c ompar e i n re l a ti o n to s i mi l a r me mbe r-bas e d o rg a n i s a ti o n s . O ve rall our re s ul ts a l i g n w i th , o r a re h igh e r th an, th e be n ch ma rk s tud y .

64%

DEA

Advocate to influence legislation

75% Deliver relevant sector news

88% Event and networking opportunities

PARTICIPATION 80

“

B E LO N GIN G 90

10 90% 82%

49% 23%

Read email newsletter

Attended webinar/ training

39% 23% Attended annual conference

78%

Benchmark study

80%

86% 82% Respected in the sector

76% 62%

73% 62%

69% 68%

Membership Regularly Membership gives me a seeks input confers voice from valuable members beneifts

”

DEA is true to its vision of being the pre-eminent peak body that works with members to provide thought leadership in order that people with a disability will achieve full citizenship. No other peak comes close to achieving this goal in the open employment space.

-NSW member

H OW WE L L D OES DEA P ER FOR M?

88%

75%

78%

66%

Information

Advocacy

Networking

Training

Deliver relevant, accurate and timely information about sector news and issues

Advocate to influence legislation and regulations that affect the profession

Offer opportunities for members to attend events and network with sector participants

Offer training and professional development to members

SUBMISSIONS National Disability Employment Framework Discussion Paper Survey

Submission to the Willing to Work Inquiry

DEA submitted its response to the DSS National Disability Employment Framework (NDEF) Discussion Paper in December 2015. DEA’s submission was based on direct and wide engagement with members, as well as work done with external stakeholders and the DSS Taskforce. DEA maintained the position we took as part of the first round of consultations (the Issues Paper). DEA broadly supported the discussion paper’s intent and the robust ideas it presented. We note the proposals align with contemporary disability policies and Australia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the National Disability Strategy (NDS).

Disability Employment Australia welcomed the opportunity to respond to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Willing to Work Inquiry in December 2015. Our submission focused on people with disability.

To summarise, we identified three significant factors that appear to influence any government policy formation in these contemporary times. Those factors are individualisation, digitalisation and marketisation. The ways in which the federal government engages policy and the social services that spring from such policy would seem to be changing in line with these factors.

We call for the Australian Government to put significant additional resources into implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Australia in relation to eliminating discrimination around the employment of people with disability.

The Discussion Paper gave stakeholders the chance to explore the principles for changes in a hypothetical operating model. DEA informed the Taskforce, through its submission, that more work needs to be done with the proposed career planning service. We provided ideas and references to different ways the Taskforce might reconsider career planning in its model. DEA wants career planning in the mix but we argued that it is better placed in a coordinated case management approach than as a separate stage. DEA also asserted that the Framework must adopt a person-centred approach and not merely in name. The current programmes expect services to be tailored and individualised but it would be easy to contest that they are far from that. DEA wants a new Framework assisting people with disability find to meaningful, sustainable employment to be built from the evidence-based person-centred approach. DEA also encouraged the Taskforce to employ the terminology ‘person-directed’ to reflect the intent of the National Disability Employment Framework and its clear relation to the NDS and by extension the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In this response, DEA took the Discussion Paper to task for falling short in regard to providing an understanding of (a) the funding envelope for the new Framework, (b) the regulatory system and (c) the outcomes expected. However, DEA also provides ideas and references for the Taskforce in regard to these significant parts of the model.

While we have seen progress in creating an equally accessible labour market for people with disability at all levels over decades, there is still much work to be done. We believe there is a primary role for the Australian Government, the business sector and general community in redressing perceived or real social and economic barriers to employment.

We need clear direction and a national goal for the employment of people with disability. We recommend that the top 100 businesses listed on the Australian Stock Exchange form a coalition for change, facilitated by the Australian Government. In summary: •

Employment outcomes for people with disability remain largely unchanged for the last 25 years;

•

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) has not improved employment opportunities for people with disability. The Australian Government’s commitment to eliminating discrimination against Australians with a disability must go beyond legislation;

•

Discrimination against people in the labour market includes subtle forms of discrimination, and these attitudinal barriers may be the biggest hurdle to job growth for people with disability; and

•

Community attitudes are a cultural issue and can only be addressed at the cultural social level, by a strong coalition of business and government together with well-resourced community awareness campaigns.

DEA has great confidence in the Taskforce and DSS and seeks to work in tandem to co-design the future of disability employment. Our survey response attempted to think through the Discussion Paper proposals constructively, with a clear eye on the context for change and a desire to continually improve the disability employment services and supports for people with disability and employers. DEA will continue to work with the DSS Taskforce and the Minister’s office to ensure what is built works for people with disability, employers and providers.

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

Disability Employment Australia offers a range of training and capability development opportunities to the DES sector. We are committed to developing the skills and knowledge DES practitioners require to work effectively within Disability Employment Services.

DES Contractual Compliance

This unique and comprehensive training package has been developed for the DES sector to assist providers effectively comply with DES contract requirements. It includes a comprehensive train the trainer package with a facilitator’s guide, PowerPoint stack and participant handbook and it is free to all DES organisations.

Achieving DES Star Ratings – a workshop for Managers

DES Essentials Package

This training package was developed for the sector, by the sector. It is a unique induction course to Disability Employment Services suitable for both new and existing staff. The package is comprised of seven modules which includes facilitator’s guides, PowerPoint stacks and participant handbooks. Members: $1,995

This is an interactive workshop that provides practical considerations to achieve desired Star Ratings under the DES Performance Framework. It delivers critical knowledge to underpin understanding of how performance builds or compromises Star Ratings achievement.

Non-Members: $2,995

Call us now to enquire about how Disability Employment Australia can deliver tailored in-house training to your organisation on (03) 9012 6000 or email: info@disabilityemployment.org.au

Free Member-only Webinars

Disability Employment Australia will offer a range of webinars to assist members to stay up-to-date with contractual compliance requirements and enhance knowledge of DES.

Investing in our Members Members’ capacity building:

Managing membership support:

• • • •

•

• • •

Promoting the DES Essentials training package Monthly capability development webinar on operational topics Custom built in-house workshops as required Operational sessions at Australia’s Disability Employment Conference and National Leaders’ Forums Survey members to identify training needs and workforce demographics Performance framework and contractual compliance updates and training Promote existing resources developed by DEA and partners, including Employers Guide to DES, Employer Liaison Capability Framework and Connections 4 Quality

• • •

Monthly members meetings, operational bulletins, capability development webinars and website Assist members with interpreting DES operational guidelines Rapid member response to queries Regular contact with member organisations

What key benefit does belonging to DEA provide you or your organisation?

“DEA represents provider’s concerns about DES to the government. They offer extensive support to members. DEA listens to member’s concerns, and they also travel to meet with members. DEA has been a major influence on the new DES framework.” QLD member, 2016 Member Survey 12

MEMBER STORY: WISE EMPLOYMENT “Now that I’ve got a job and am working in a team I feel less anxious in other situations. I’m a bit more outgoing and chatty, and I think I’m happier too.”

Having a job and working in a team has helped Cynthia to better manage her anxiety both in and out of the workplace. Before she came to WISE Employment Parramatta in late 2015, Cynthia’s anxiety had formed a seemingly insurmountable barrier to the working world. She was eager to find work, but for three long years her search for employment as a graphic designer was plagued by self doubt. Cynthia and her WISE consultant worked together to develop her resume and began investigating possible roles that would gel with her interest and skills. Local employer Gina Velde, Marketing Communications Manager at Position Partners, had just such a role and, after a successful interview, it was all Cynthia’s. Fast forward six months and Cynthia is doing well at work, building her skills and contributing to the creative projects the team delivers.

“In the six months Cynthia has been with us we have extended her days and responsibilities so that she is doing more of what she enjoys and developing in her career,” said Gina. “She’s always very positive and has a can-do attitude. It’s been great to watch her develop in her role,” she added. Cynthia said that working has helped her confidence and made it easier to talk to new people. “Now that I’ve got a job and am working in a team I feel less anxious in other situations. I’m a bit more outgoing and chatty, and I think I’m happier too,” she said. Her mum Helen agrees, saying she’s seen big changes in Cynthia since she started at Position Partners. “Cynthia used to be very shy but now she’s coming out of her shell, she talks more and shares her opinion. By going to work and mixing with other people she’s learning new social skills. I’m very happy for her,” said Helen.

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

WORKING TOGETHER Disability Employment Australia is interlinked with a wide variety of disparate policy areas, activities, events and social service practitioners. These relationships involve disability advocates, employers, government, training bodies and academics. Disability Employment Australia gathers information and learnings from its friends and colleagues, as well as from as many different sources and engagements as possible. We also take our simple belief, the purpose that drives us (open employment opportunities for people with disability) wherever we go and to whoever we are talking to.

Conferences/forums/meetings Disability Employment Australia sees conferences and forums as our sector’s central market place for ideas and relationship building. We attend as active and responsive participants. Here are some conferences we attended over the 2015-16 year: • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

CEDA forum ‘Digital Disruption’ ACOSS Conference Grassroots Democracy: The Campaign for Disability Rights exhibition at M.A.D.E RCSA Breakfast seminar: Emotional Intelligence Business Breakfast - Building a High Performance Workplace Sydney University, Centre for Disability Studies Symposium Willing to Work – Consultation - National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination Against Older Australians and Australians with a Disability NDRC Employer Breakfast Job Access Gateway workshop National Economic Review 2015 - The Future of Jobs: Global Access Partners 6th Annual Growth Summit Federal Labor Community Sector Partnership Forum BCA Event, Launch of Recognising Ability: Business and the Employment of People with Disability report The Digital Gap Initiative NDIA Conference Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Inspiring Philanthropy Celebration 2015 National Disability Awards 2015

• • • • • • • •

NSW Govt Better Regulations Division, Disability Industry Think Tank for IDPwD ACCI sponsored launch of OECD report, ‘Mental Health and Work: Australia’ Brotherhood of St Laurence seminar – Ian Harper presentation National Aged Care and Disability Summit NDS Conference NESA Conference AND Annual Conference Leadership 2016 in Canberra

Events & Media Along with attending relevant conferences and forums, Disability Employment Australia also presented at different events. These included: • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Job Futures Members’ Conference Sky News Business TV interview with our Hall of Famers, Lucy Macali and Graeme Innes Young Onset Parkinson’s Conference Australian Training Awards - Disability Training-Employer Award judging panel 2Day FM radio interview Verto Conference APM Manager’s Forum Keynote address on the future of disability employment, LTU conference Peak Body Round Table meeting with Assistant Minister Prentice Disability Employment Australia hosted a meeting with US disability consultant Michael Kendrick and DSS NDEF Taskforce leader, John Riley Disability Employment Australia hosted Canadian disability advocate and academic, Tim Stainton, to meet with DSS SSRV Job Voice steering committee KPMG and DoE Australian Recruitment Industry review AHRC Willing to Work Inquiry report launch headspace Digital Work and Study Steering Committee DEA hosted Anh Minh, a Public Policy Masters student, RMIT

NETWORKING Key relationships Significant relationships established and reinforced include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Hon. Minister Christian Porter MP, Minister for Social Services The Hon. Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Alastair McEwin, Disability Discrimination Commissioner, AHRC Susan Ryan, Australian Human Rights Commissioner and Marlene Krasovitsky, Director, AHRC Jenny Macklin MP, Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services Senator Carol Brown, Shadow Minister for Disability and Carers Garth Bennie, Chief Executive, NZDSN Peter De Natris, Consultant, NDIA John Riley, Branch Manager, Disability Employment Taskforce, DSS Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health headspace Enabled Employment Deakin University Australian National University Centre for Disability Studies, University of Sydney Matt Wright, AFDO Craig Wallace, PWDA Ken Baker and Kerrie Langford, NDS Frank Quinlan, Mental Health Australia Jessica Jeeves, BCA Able Movement, Mark Bagshaw/Natalie Clark Roland Naufal, DSC Lisa Fowkes, ANU Cain Beckett, NDIA Ben Baumberg, Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent Mary Mallett, Disability Advocacy Network Association

As well as these connections Disability Employment Australia continues to work with organisations and individuals who align with the objective that we can significantly lift the workforce participation rate for people with disability and to reinforce the value and capability of Disability Employment Services. These connections include: •

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Disability Services Consulting National Disability Services National Employment Services Association Jobs Australia Social Impact Australia Children with Disability Australia Disability Advocacy Network Mental Health Australia Youth Disability Advocacy Service Victoria Australian Human Resources Institute Business Council of Australia Australian Network on Disability National Disability Recruitment Coordinator Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals Work Focus Group JobAccess Kinetic Alffie (Leap Training) The Australian Centre for Social Innovation Recruitment and Consultancy Services Association PERKESO (Social Security and Return to Work Organisation, Malaysia)

Research linkages Disability Employment Australia continued its association with academic research in relation to disability employment and is working on several University projects, including: • • •

The University of Melbourne ARC Linkage ‘Employment and Disability’ Project The Queensland University of Technology ARC Linkage Project ‘Seamless journeys to work for young adults with physical disabilities’, which will be led by Professor Greg Marston The Diversity Field Officer Reference Group

As well as that Disability Employment Australia is working with both Deakin University and the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Sydney in relation to best practice approaches in disability employment supports.

Department of Social Services, particularly the portfolio of Deputy Secretary Felicity Hand, James Christian, Group Manager for Disability, Employment and Carers, and Peter Broadhead, DES Branch Manager Department of Employment Department of Human Services Australian Public Services Commission National Disability Insurance Agency Australian Federation of Disability Organisations People with Disability Australia Australian Council of Social Services Able Movement

What key benefit does belonging to DEA provide you or your organisation?

“Strong communication via web releases, weekly news, online training and webinars. They also provide a quality conference each year and Leaders’ Forums a couple of times a year. So the key benefits really come from DEA allowing us to remain informed - which is critical for us given we are isolated.” WA member, 2016 Member Survey 15

Alastair McEwin, Disability Discrimination Commissioner for the Australian Human Rights Commission, participating in our Great Debate session at the 2016 conference.

2016 CONFERENCE Australia’s Disability Employment Conference 2016

Australia’s Disability Employment Conference was held in August 2016, however most of the preparatory work occurred in the 2015-16 financial year. The 2016 conference attracted over 300 attendees from 150 organisations to Melbourne’s Crown Promenade Hotel. Delegate feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and indicated high overall satisfaction, particularly in reference to the program and networking opportunities. This year’s conference examined and explored the future of the DES programme. The conference was guided by three themes: individualisation, digitalisation and marketisation. On day one of the conference The Hon. Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, provided an overview of the government’s plans for disability employment policy as the NDIS is implemented across Australia. Following this the Senior Advisor for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Professor Ian Harper, delivered a keynote presentation on the recent Competition Policy Review.

CEO Rick Kane (left) and Chairperson Donna Faulkner (centre) present Brett de Hoedt (right) with a cake to thank him for 10 years of emceeing DEA conferences.

Day one also featured insightful panel sessions on the hot topic issues of marketisation and personalisation in disability employment, and concluded with a lavish Gala Dinner and Hall of Fame Award ceremony (see pages 18-19). Dr Jim Stanford, Economist and Director at The Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute, launched the discussion on day two, delivering a keynote presentation on Australia’s labour market, and the implications for workers with disability. Comedian and actor Matthew Parkinson then facilitated The Great Debate featuring Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Alastair McEwin (see photo opposite page). The Great Debate critically examined why the workforce participation rate for people with disability is so low. It questioned whether it is because of negative community attitudes towards disability, or whether DES providers need to become better at meeting employer and jobseeker needs. Day two culminated with a Town Hall Meeting with James Christian and Peter Broadhead from the Department of Social Services. This session gave delegates the opportunity to begin the public conversation on the co-design of the future of disability employment.

CEO Rick Kane (left) and Professor Ian Harper (right).

At the heart of the conference was the understanding that a major shift in disability employment services is underway, and therefore there is a need to explore and design the future with reference to the best work going on today, while not forgetting what the past has taught us. Disability Employment Australia thanks all our speakers and delegates for making the 2016 conference such an incredible event!

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015 - 2016

Congratulations Professor Peter Baume!

HALL OF FAME 2016 The Honourable Emeritus Professor Peter Baume AC

The Disability Employment Australia Hall of Fame recognises excellence and life-long commitment to the evolution of disability employment in Australia at a multi-state, national or international level. This is the seventh year that Disability Employment Australia has recognised the contribution of individuals to disability employment or the broader disability sector. Professor Peter Baume was inducted into the Disability Employment Australia Hall of Fame in 2016. Professor Peter Baume boasts a professional history as a gastroenterologist, politician and university academic. Peter served in the Australian Parliament from 1974 to 1991. In the late seventies, he chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Social Welfare. During his seventeen years in parliament, he has been Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Health and Minister for Education. Famously, when Shadow Minister for the Status of Women in 1987 he crossed the floor to vote for a bill giving equal employment opportunities in some government-owned bodies.

Previous Hall of Fame Recipients Inducted in 2015:

• Graeme Innes AM

Inducted in 2014:

• Lucy Macali, and • Dr Geoffrey Waghorn

Inducted in 2013:

• Dr Mark Bagshaw, • Suzanne Colbert AM, and • Dr Vivienne Riches

Inducted in 2012:

• Professor Brian Howe AO, and • Phil Tuckerman AM

Inducted in 2011:

• Michael Goldsworthy, • Sue Robertson, and • Peter Tanner

Inducted in 2010:

• Professor Trevor Parmenter AM, • Craig Harrison, and • Associate Professor Greg Lewis

Peter held the positions of Chancellor of the Australian National University and Professor of Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales, where he also served as an honorary research associate within its Social Policy Research Centre. He has been Commissioner of the Australian Law Reform Commission, Deputy Chair of the Australian National Council on AIDS and Foundation Chair of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority. In 1992, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). In 2008, Peter was awarded the Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC). Of particular importance to Disability Employment Australia is Peter’s role in the 1994 Review of the Commonwealth Disability Services Program, which was later dubbed the Baume Review. The review focused on the employment-related aspects of the program underpinned by the Disability Services Act 1986 and considered its objectives and effectiveness to provide a policy framework to the year 2000. The review was critical of block-funded employment services for people with disability and pointed to an emphasis on inputs, huge unmet demand, inequitable distribution of resources, enormous variation in costs and a lack of coordination between the worlds of school and work. While critical, it also acknowledged these services were leaps and bounds ahead of the past. Somewhat prophetically, the Baume Review concluded that a major shift in thinking was needed to turn rhetoric about employment into reality: to move from good intentions to good outcomes for people with disability will require a paradigm shift in the services and sector. Baume’s recommendations to bring about this paradigm shift outline the architecture of the DES program today. It was this review that categorised the employment aspects of support as a labour market program that should be available to all people with moderate to high support needs that needed the service. It recommended an increase in overall funding, collapsing services into two categories: in-work support and employment preparation, clear targets and performance measures, case-based funding, a focus on individuals not services, standardised entry assessments and better data collection. The clear direction outlined was for funding to follow the person rather than the service, this by extension signaled a preference for open employment and more choice and competition. The cleverly-named report ‘Working Solution’ is widely cited by those researching disability employment in Australia given its undeniable impact decades later. Peter Baume led the charge for uncapping services and ensuring adequate funding was attached to each person to address their individual goals. He was instrumental in laying the foundations of the DOES, DEN and DES programs: equitable and outcomes-focused funding, streamlined referral and assessment processes and quality assurance accreditation. Throughout his career in medicine, politics and academia, Peter has stressed that people are more important than their impairments and that the whole person is the proper focus of attention. He reminds us that we are all different and we should value and respect the individual nature of each other’s life journey.

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

2016 ROADSHOWS DEA Member Roadshows - February 2016 - July 2016 In February and July 2016 Disability Employment Australia conducted roadshows across mainland capital cities. Over 200 members attended these meetings from over 50 DES providers. The roadshows were designed to consult with members about the current DES model and how it is operating, as well as canvas provider views in relation to the future of disability employment. In April 2015 the government announced that it was looking to align disability employment policy and practice with current Australian disability policy, including the NDIS. Since then, DEA has been the pro-active peak body on the future of disability employment. In May/ June 2015 we conducted a similar roadshow to start the conversation with the sector. Members provided clear and consistent feedback throughout the roadshows: 1.

Providers are in very strong support of the original ideas and principles as laid out by the Minister last April (and then tested by the NDEF Taskforce through the Issues Paper and Discussion Paper consultations and submissions). They believe the future of disability employment must respond unmistakably to disability policy.

Providers are deeply curious as to the shape and design of the new disability employment framework: They value career development being part of the mix, as they do a deeper engagement with schools to reinforce the school-to-work transition. They see employer engagement as key to continuous improved employment outcomes for people with disability but they reinforce that employer engagement comes in multiple shapes and arrangements. They believe the assessment system must be changed for these significant reforms to achieve their stated goal.

Providers are asking for formal communication regarding the timeline of actions and developments that will lead to the future of disability employment.

Providers believe sector development is crucial for the future disability employment framework to be best realised.

The July roadshow asked providers to imagine developing a wish list for what the future could be. This was a very stimulating and informative exercise. There was a commonality in issues and ideas raised across the meetings, including an absolute commitment to the direction as expressed by the NDEF Discussion Paper. DEA is pleased to see that DSS has maintained its focus on that direction.

NATIONAL LEADERS’ FORUM 2015 -16 National Leaders’ Forums - Brisbane, Nov 2015 - Canberra, April 2016 National Leaders’ Forum: 19 November 2015 The November Leaders’ Forum took place at Hotel Jen in Brisbane. The day featured a keynote presentation from Wayne Bennett AM, Head Coach of the Brisbane Broncos (pictured with Chairperson Donna Faulkner middle left), as well as two conversation sessions with DSS, two panel sessions, and a highly informative presentation about disability employment in New Zealand by Dr Garth Bennie, CEO of New Zealand Disability Support Network. The forum attracted 100 delegates. The Annual General Meeting was held after the Leaders’ Forum. The 2016 Disability Employment Australia board election results were announced at the meeting. Donna Faulkner, Keryl Neville, and David Coles were re-elected onto the Board. Tom Baxter was also elected, replacing Ross Lewis. Chairperson Donna Faulkner said that it was excellent to see multiple nominations from a range of quality nominees, as it demonstrates that members are keen to be active at all levels of the organisation. The board would also like to recognise and thank Ross Lewis profusely for his outstanding contribution to the ACE/DEA board over the past ten years. Appointments to board positions were made at the board meeting on the 20th of November in Brisbane (board pictured below): • • • • •

Chairperson – Donna Faulkner Vice Chair – David Coles Treasurer – George Lambrou Secretary – Rick Kane Directors – Keryl Neville, Garry Davison, Tom Baxter and Cherie Jolly

National Leaders’ Forum: 14 April 2016 The April Leaders’ Forum took place at Hotel Realm, Canberra with 120 delegates attending the one-day event. The day featured an address from the newly-appointed Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, The Hon. Jane Prentice MP (pictured top left), as well as presentations from Professor Peter Whitehead, ANU, and Dr Donna McDonald, Griffith University. Delegates also heard from DSS in two sessions, and there were three panel sessions which discussed Star Ratings, person-centred best practice, and employer engagement. The day concluded with networking drinks.

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

LOOKING AHEAD 2016-2017 Last year Disability Employment Australia designed a circular diagram to capture the way we envisaged the future at that point in time. We felt this was a useful diagram to help reflect what Disability Employment Australia might focus on to represent, support and resource our members. It acts as a compass, as a means to direct our energies in the direction that we can best perceive disability employment is heading. It is interesting to note changes made from last year’s version of the ‘Looking Ahead’ diagram. The most notable change is the central

focus. Disability Employment Australia identifies disability employment as the central focus, making DES one of the 5 key elements of that focus – albeit the most significant element, for sure! As DES providers move through the procurement process toward the 2018 version of DES, Disability Employment Australia will represent, support and resource our members on that journey. We will also provide stewardship for our members to take their disability employment best practices and capability into other sectors, programs and schemes. That’s where we’re heading.

2015/16 STAFF & BOARD Staff

Rick Kane Chief Executive Officer

Bevan Burkin Senior Policy Advisor

Helen Roland Office Manager , Executive Assistant and Membership Services

Sharlie Wise Communications Officer

Donna Faulkner Chairperson Executive Director, Work Solutions Gippsland, VIC

David Coles Vice-Chairperson General Manager, Barkuma Employment, SA

George Lambrou Treasurer

Keryl Neville Board Member CEO, LEAD Employment, ACT

Garry Davison Board Member General Manager, Jobmatch Employment Agency, QLD

Cherie Jolly Board Member Employment Services Manager, Uniting Care Wesley - Port Adelaide, SA

Tom Baxter Board Member CEO, Ostara Australia Ltd, VIC

Board

Disability Employment Australia Annual Report 2015-2016

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