More support is being provided to new and existing Disability Employment Service (DES) providers from 1 July.

DES providers in our local area will help connect people with disability to the right job for them, and support local businesses and organisations to find talented candidates.

People with disability in our community will now have more choice of provider and more say in the supports they receive.

Work provides security and independence. It also expands our social networks, gives us a sense of responsibility and self-worth, and enables us to contribute more fully to society.

The Federal Coalition Government is committed to improving employment outcomes for people with disability.

The providers servicing our region include: Castle Personnel Services Limited, Community Programs Association, Enterprise & Training Company Limited, Job Futures Ltd, JOBFIND LWB PTY LTD

Joblink Plus Limited, Key Employment Association Limited, Mai-Wel Limited, OCTEC Limited, Ostara Australia Limited, PEOPLEPLUS ENTERPRISES PTY LTD, Rehab Management (Aust) Pty Ltd, RichmondPRA Limited, Serendipity Pty Ltd, Tursa Employment & Training Limited, VERTO Ltd, Wesley Community Services Limited.

More than 13 per cent of people who are of working age have a disability, however only 53 per cent are participating in the workforce, compared to 83 per cent of people without disability.

Our Government will invest more than $3 billion in DES over the next four years.

To find a DES provider or for more information, visit www.jobaccess.gov.au

EXTRA FUNDING FOR LIFELINE

The Federal Coalition Government will provide $33.8 million to Lifeline to significantly boost their telephone crisis service and help those with mental health issues.

Over 1 million Australians reach out to Lifeline each year and it receives the largest call volume of any crisis support service.

This funding will mean the charity can answer more calls, helping them answer close to 100 per cent of calls.

Funding will also support the coaching and development of crisis supporters, equipping them with more skills to deal with the complex range of issues which can be brought up during a call.

We know how important Lifeline’s 24 hour service is to the community, and we will continue to support this vital organisation.

Sometimes it’s hard to reach out for help but during times of need Australians should know someone will be available to hear their concerns and offer them help.

We are forever grateful to the crisis supporters and staff of Lifeline, no doubt they have saved countless lives.

The Federal Coalition Government is investing over $4.2 billion dollars into mental health services this year and we have made mental health a national priority.

Our government has contributed more than $57 million since 2011-12 to Lifeline’s 13 11 14 telephone service.

We have also provided over $213 million (from 2011-12 to 2018-19) for a range of nationally available telephone and web based services, including Kids Helpline Reachout, and On The Line.