The Federal Government has announced future contracts for the Disability Employment Services-Employment Support Service, which will run for the next five years.

 

Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis said the spending will allow for an unprecedented level of support in helping people with disabilities find work.

 

“All Australians have a right to the dignity and self respect that employment brings and without access to paid employment, people with a disability risk life on the margins of our community,” Ms Ellis said.

 

The announcement comes after the Australian Government released the Disability Employment Services Star Ratings – which reveal the services that are performing well and those that need to improve.

 

These March quarter Star Ratings will be used as a basis to determine, which service providers will be required to re-bid for their existing business later this year.

 

Services performing at the 4 and 5 star level will not be required to re-tender but will be given the opportunity to expand and assist more job seekers in new areas.

 

The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and the Industry and Disability Employment Australia welcomed the announcements.

 

“The additional two years will allow DES providers to develop and maintain supportive relationships with employers and most importantly with the over 75,000 people with enduring disability in the program,” Lynette May of Disability Employment Australia said.

 

View the performance ratings at www.jobsearch.gov.au/provider