Title: Annual Report 2008-09
Author: National Disability Services
Last saved by: Emerson Riley

National Disability Services
Annual Report 2008-2009
© National Disability Services 2009
Produced by National Disability Services
Printed by Xibit Printers (02) 6262 4077
Edited by Penny Cook (02) 4474 4176
Designed by Designstonegroup.com.au (02) 6162 1129
Professional Photography by Daryl Charles (02) 9460 8227
Contact Officer
Rebecca Gardner
Telephone: (02) 6283 3217
Fax: (02) 6281 3488
Email: rebecca.gardner@nds.org.au
Website: www.nds.org.au

Contents
Contents	2
From the President and Chief Executive	3
NDS Board	8
NDS National Committees	10
National Office Staff	11
State/Territory Committees	12
State / Territory Reports	16
ACT	16
New South Wales	19
Northern Territory	22
Queensland	24
South Australia	27
Tasmania	30
Victoria	33
Western Australia	37

From the President and Chief Executive
Disability service providers operate in an environment of complex regulation and reporting requirements, rising compliance costs, strong demand for services which cannot be met within existing resources, and workforce shortages. The global financial crisis over the past year imposed additional pressures on NDS’s members, in particular those reliant on fundraising and income from investments. NDS performs a key role in alerting governments to these issues, seeking practical remedies and helping to equip members to deal with the challenges that confront them. 
The past year has seen NDS involved in a high level of policy activity, a growing number of government-funded projects and increased information provision to members.
An indication of the intense policy activity nationally is that NDS provided written advice to a federal government or parliamentary inquiry, on average, every two weeks. 
Some of these submissions responded to disability-specific developments such as the review of Disability Employment Services and the development of a National Disability Strategy. Others responded to generic policy developments affecting service providers and the people they support, for example, the national review of occupational health and safety laws, award modernisation, the Federal Taxation Review, the Pension Review and the National Compact with the Third Sector.
Although several of these major policy reviews and developments are still underway, NDS has helped drive progress in key areas including the following:
•	The new National Disability Agreement (between Commonwealth, state and territory governments), finalised at the end of 2008, includes commitments to develop a National Disability Workforce Strategy, improved access to aids and equipment, population-based benchmarking and greater investment in research
•	The Disability Employment Services program will be uncapped from March 2010 and an Invitation to Treat extended to all Disability Employment Network providers
•	The Australian Government revised the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines to allow agencies to purchase goods and services from Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) without a tender process. NDS urged state and territory governments to adopt a similar exemption and several states have now done so
•	NDS’s active engagement in helping shape the modern Supported Employment Services Award (which included engaging legal counsel) has reaped benefits
•	The pension increases announced in the 2009 Budget included recipients of Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment
•	The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which NDS is keenly promoting, continues to gain momentum. A NDIS would entitle people with severe disability to long-term care and support. Public endorsements have come from sources as diverse as The Australian newspaper, prominent radio broadcasters, senior state officials, the ACTU Congress, the Australian Medical Association and the ALP Conference. In April 2009, NDS organised an event at the National Press Club which provided Parliamentary Secretary, Bill Shorten, with a platform to highlight the NDIS as an exciting and transformative idea worthy of serious consideration. Inevitably, the details of such a scheme (eligibility, governance, funding) will be complex. NDS believes that a feasibility study would assist government to work through these details.
The reports from Divisions on the following pages highlight NDS’s significant activity and influence at state and territory levels. 
National conferences
NDS hosted four national conferences in 2008–09. It was a demanding schedule for NDS staff but, based on members’ evaluations, a very successful program of national events. 
The Employment Forum in July in Brisbane attracted almost 600 people and included keynote addresses from the ACTU President and the two federal government ministers with responsibility for disability employment services. The conference also featured the inaugural Excellence Awards for Australian Disability Enterprises, presented by the Governor of Queensland (now Governor-General of Australia), Ms Quentin Bryce AC. Importantly, the awards were made by an ADE and the certificates printed by an ADE.
In September 2008 in Sydney, a combined National Accommodation and Social Participation Conference (Home and Community: Overcoming Exclusion) attracted almost 500 registrations and featured two outstanding international speakers. The conference looked at how a sense of home can be created in supported accommodation settings, debated individualised funding models and provided practical examples of social inclusion. 
The annual CEO Meeting in December in Canberra attracted 230 leaders from NDS member organisations and focussed on large policy developments and the provision of management advice. Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), The Hon. Jenny Macklin MP, and Deputy Secretary, Glenys Beauchamp, provided information on the new five-year National Disability Agreement which had been settled only two days earlier. 
In May 2009 in Hobart, NDS held the inaugural Workforce and OHS Conference, which attracted over 400 delegates. The conference had a strong emphasis on the provision of practical advice—to equip service providers to recruit, train and retain workers and to create safe workplaces that don’t stifle service users’ choices. Whether there should be minimum qualifications for disability support workers was debated, following NDS’s release of a short discussion paper. 
NDS assisted the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC) with its first national conference: ‘Disability, Disadvantage and Development in the Pacific and Asia’. Through ADDC, NDS works with organisations in the international development and disability arenas. NDS and ADDC applauded the Australian Government’s launch of a national disability and development strategy in late 2008.
Information and alliances
The provision of information and analysis to members remains a key function of NDS. The email bulletin, News Update, alerts members to regulatory changes, policy consultations, funding opportunities and key reports. Members select the subject areas in which they wish to receive information. Across Australia, NDS issued 502 News Updates during 2008–09.
In June 2008, three national peak organisations representing service providers, people with disability and family carers—NDS, the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and Carers Australia—announced the formation of the National Disability Carer Alliance. This new national alliance provides a forum for the disability sector to unite around big issues and to debate differences constructively. The alliance’s vision is an Australian society that ensures equal social, economic, civic and cultural participation of people with disability, their families and carers. We know that governments are more likely to listen if the disability sector speaks with a united voice. The National Disability Carer Alliance, which complements similar coalitions in some states and territories, will assist in achieving this unity. 
NDS’s relationship with the Australian Blindness Forum continues as a key mechanism enabling NDS to connect with and promote issues of importance to the blindness and low-vision sector. 
NDS’s seat at the National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations allows us to join with other not-for-profit peak associations in advancing common issues. NDS was also represented on the Expert Panel established by the Australian Government to advise on a National Compact with the Third Sector. We also sit with a small number of other organisations on the Australian Tax Office’s Charities Consultative Committee, a key source of advice for the ATO on not-for-profit issues.
National presence
With the assistance of the Northern Territory Government NDS has been able to employ a full-time manager and a project officer, and open a new office in Darwin. NDS will play a central role in developing a quality assurance framework for disability services in the Northern Territory. 
With the assistance of the Queensland Government, NDS opened an office in Townsville; the first NDS office located outside a capital city and important in enabling NDS to respond to the concerns of members in northern Queensland. 
Increasingly, NDS is utilising the advantages of being a cohesive national organisation. These advantages include the capacity to transport (and adapt) successful projects across state and territory lines (rather than having to re-invent them), to utilise staff expertise across the organisation regardless of where that expertise is located and to use common systems rather than having to replicate functions in every office. The new National Disability Agreement has an emphasis on building national consistency and NDS is well positioned to influence the implementation of this policy direction.
Members and staff
NDS’s membership grew during 2008–09. Members and associates total 780, compared with 744 at the end of 2007–08 and 669 three years ago. Assisting this expansion, NDS was pleased to welcome members of the disbanded Physical and Neurological Council of SA.
NDS relies extensively on members’ participation in its governance structure and policy formation processes. The eight state and territory committees, which help ensure that NDS is responsive to local priorities, include more than 90 representatives. NDS’s national board includes the eight state and territory chairs and an additional six directly elected members. NDS’s national committees, which advise on policy, link to state-based policy sub-committees or networks. In some states, regional meetings enhance the flow of information to and from members. In all, this structure supports a robust system of governance and consultation, which strengthens NDS. We are thankful to members for their willingness to assist NDS with their skills and experience. 
Across all its offices, NDS employs around 70 full-time and part-time staff to implement its strategic directions and priorities and to manage its projects. Their considerable commitment, initiative and skill are a great asset to NDS. The administrative and policy skills of staff will continue to expand to meet the increasing demands on the organisation. 
Finances
NDS ends the year with a healthy surplus and strong balance sheet. The growth in income largely reflects an increase in project funding from governments. This in itself suggests that governments have confidence in NDS’s capacity to manage public funds efficiently and to deliver outcomes. 
Projects include governance training, the development of risk assessment tools, workforce recruitment, occupational health and safety and expanding the engagement of Aboriginal people with disability services. NDS continues to administer the disability parking program in Western Australia and advised on the harmonisation of such programs nationally (a commitment in the National Disability Agreement). NDS also administers the Companion Card in Western Australia and the recruitment of Companion Card affiliates in South Australia. In 2008–09, we took on the administration of the newly launched Companion Card in NSW.
NDS NSW’s growth over the past year has been particularly strong. Income increased from $1.2 million in 2007–08 to $3.4 million in 2008–09 and, in June 2008, the NSW Minister for Disability Services announced the establishment of a $17 million Industry Development Fund which NDS will administer. The fund will assist the implementation of a quality framework in NSW and a reduction in red tape for service providers. Under NDS’s guidance the Industry Development Fund will achieve stronger sector engagement and results than if it were administered by a government agency. 
NDS is grateful for the support it receives from the Australian Government and all state and territory governments. This funding enables us to alert governments to issues before they escalate, to provide relevant information to service providers and to assist the sector to build its capacity and improve services to people with disability.
Tony Lund, President
Ken Baker, Chief Executive

NDS Board
President
Tony Lund, Chairperson NSW Division, Chief Executive, Disability Services Australia
Vice-President
Jason McKey, Elected Member (until Dec 08), Managing Director, Job Placement Ltd
Lynn Quirk, Elected Member (Vice-President from Dec 08), Chief Executive Officer, Redlands Bayside Disability Services Inc 
Members
Susan Healy, Chairperson ACT Division, Executive Director, Sharing Places 
Kirsty Carter, Chairperson NT Division, Executive Director, Top End Association for Mental Health Inc 
Peter Callaghan, Chairperson QLD Division, (from Sept 08) Chief Executive Officer, Community Employment Options 
Glenn Rappensberg, Chairperson SA Division, Chief Executive, Novita Children’s Services 
David Coe, Chairperson TAS Division Manager, Corporate Services, Oak Tasmania 
Anthony Putt, Chairperson VIC Division (until Oct 08), Elected Member (from Oct 08) Chief Executive Officer, Central Access Limited 
Richard Dent, Chairperson VIC Division (from Oct 08), Chief Executive Officer, E.W. Tipping Foundation 
Gordon Trewern, Chairperson WA Division, Chief Executive Officer, Nulsen Haven Association Inc 
Andrew Richardson, Elected Member (from Dec 08), Chief Executive Officer, The Wheelchair and Disabled Association of Australia 
Liz Bishop, Elected Member, Chief Executive Officer, St John of God ACCORD 
Diana Heggie, Elected Member (from Dec 08), Chief Executive Officer, SCOPE (Vic) Ltd 
Tim Walton, Elected Member, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Foundation for Disability 
Bryan Woodford, Elected Member (retired Sept 08), Chief Executive, Yooralla

Chief Executive 
Ken Baker
Company Secretary 
Ken Baker, NDS Chief Executive
Auditor 
Ascent

NDS National Committees
NDS’s national committees provide advice to the Chief Executive and through the Chief Executive to the Board.
They also facilitate information exchange among NDS’s Members and monitor developments within states and territories in order to identify common trends, service innovations and nationally significant issues.
The National Committees are as follows with their corresponding Chairperson.
National Committee on Accommodation, Darren Ginnelly
National Committee on Ageing and Disability, Diana Heggie
National Committee on Australian Disability Enterprises, Robert Styling AFSM
National Committee on Children, Young People and Their Families, Glenn Rappensberg
National Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, Phil Farrow
National Committee on Open Employment, Kerrie Langford
National Committee on Social Participation, Grant Vukasinovic
National Workforce Committee, Marsha Sheridan
Tax and Finance Group, Greg Smith

National Office Staff
Senior Management Team
Ken Baker Chief Executive
Patrick Maher Chief Operating Officer
Executive Support
Rebecca Gardner Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive, Office Manager
Policy
Philippa Angley National Policy Manager
Jennifer Kitchin Senior Policy Adviser, Employment
Margaret Verick ABF Project Officer, Committee Coordinator – Children, Young People and Their Families
Paul Musso Policy Adviser, Australian Disability Enterprises
Margaret Gadd Asia Pacific Project Officer
Finance
Craig Rudd Financial Controller
Aphrodite Ioannou Assistant Accountant 
Membership 
Emerson Riley Membership Services Officer
Conference Management Unit
Julie Walton National Events and Conference Manager 
Sarah Maguire Events Assistant

State/Territory Committees
Australian Capital Territory
Chair	Susan Healy 
Vice- Chair	Cheryl Daw
Committee	Maureen Cane 
	Hilary Martin 
	Tina Siver 
	Eric Thauvette 
	Jacinta Cummins 
	Kerrie Langford 
	Paula Chemello 
	Margaret Spalding (deceased Mar 09)
ACT Manager	Kate Lyttle (resigned Oct 08) 
	Louise Gray (commenced Feb 09)

New South Wales
Chair	Tony Lund 
Deputy Chair	Tim Walton
Committee	Max Bosotti 
	Neil Preston 
	Anne Bryce 
	Andrew Richardson 
	David Hogg 
	Tim Walton 
	Pennie Kearney 
	Robin Way 
	Stephen Kinkead 
	Rob White 
	Tony Lund 
	Allan Young
State Manager	Patrick Maher

Northern Territory
Chair	Kirsty Carter
Vice Chair	Vicki O’Halloran
Secretary	Robyn Ward
Treasurer	Peter Joyce
Committee	Dave Anderson 
	Garry Halliday 
	Greg McMahon 
	Lindy Cameron 
	Elizabeth Reid 
	Claudia Manu-Preston 
	Kim McRae 
	Trudi Clarke 
	Joe Smith 
	Eileen Farrell
NT Manager	Fiona Hofmeyer

Queensland
Chair	Peter Callaghan 
Vice Chair	Lynn Quirk
Executive	Mark Henley 
	Judy Mayfield
Committee	Peter Callaghan 
	Lynn Quirk 
	Judy Mayfield 
	Bev Watkinson 
	Robert Evelyn 
	Kelvin Spiller (resigned Dec 08) 
	Joanne Jessop 
	Kaye Deeley 
	Angela Tillmanns 
	David Barbagallo (from Feb 09) 
	Pat Thompson (from Dec 08)
State Manager	Valmae Rose

South Australia
Chair	Glenn Rappensberg 
Deputy Chair	Greg Box
Committee	Paul Creedon (from Jun 09) 
	Judy Curran 
	Andrew Daly (until Aug 08) 
	Robert Depold 
	Max Dyason 
	Paul Flynn (until Jul 09) 
	Michael Forwood 
	Maree Hollard (until Mar 09) 
	Susan McInerney (from Nov 08) 
	Nick Mihalaras (from Aug 08) 
	John Simpson 
	Ian Terry (until Aug 08)
State Manager	Noelene Wadham

Tasmania
Chair	David Coe
Committee	Alex Huntir
	Caroline Brown
	Dale Luttrell
	Darryl Lamb
	Darryleen Wiggins
	Deborah Byrne
	Geraldine Harwood
	Grant Roberts
	Michael Sertori
	Millicent Subonj
	Paul Byrne
	Paul Mayne
	Peter Fox
	Steve Daly
State Manager	Margaret Reynolds

Victoria
Chair	Richard Dent
Vice Chair	Liz Bishop 
Committee	Daryl Starkey
	Valerie Lyons
	Shane Molloy
	Kevin Craig
	Diana Heggie
	Scott Sheppard
	Kathryn Arndt
	Estelle Fyffe
	Rohan Braddy
	Warwick Cavanagh
	Anthony Putt
	Mel Warner
State Manager	Kerry Presser

Western Australia
Chair	Gordon Trewern
Deputy Chair	Joan McKenna-Kerr
Committee	Lee Best
	Gerri Clay
	Helen Dullard
	Darren Ginnelly
	Judy Hogben
	Hayley Horwood
	Kathy Hough
	Debbie Karasinski
	John Knowles
	Greg Lewis
	Marcus Stafford
	Michael Tait
	Tony Vis
State Manager	Carlo Calogero

State / Territory Reports
ACT
Advice to state government on policy and service delivery
NDS ACT is recognised by the ACT Government as a major strategic stakeholder for consultation on disability policy and programs and meets regularly with representatives of the three major political parties in Canberra. In 2009, NDS ACT worked with government to progress such critical issues as innovative options for supported accommodation, the impact of an ageing community, community inclusion and social engagement options for people with disability, addressing workforce challenges in the ACT disability sector and the need for better data collection to identify un-met and under-met need. 
Formal submissions were made to government on a range of areas. These were considered in the context of planning and policy development, with several being accepted for further strategic development in 2010. 
NDS ACT worked with the ACT Government, other community representatives and Social Ventures Australia to support the establishment of Canberra’s first Social Enterprise Hub which was officially launched in June 2009.
One of the major NDS ACT priorities in 2009 was the review of strategic directions for disability. NDS ACT played a lead role in this process hosting a member’s forum to provide input to the final report. This review will set the framework for all ACT Government disability policy and planning for the coming four years. 
Consultation and representation with NDS members
NDS ACT has developed strong ties with key stakeholders in government and the community to raise the profile of the disability sector. Relationships have been established with other disability groups and community peak bodies to maximise the synergies across organisations with common interests. This has facilitated the inclusion of the disability services perspective in such projects as the development of strategic plans for women, children and youth, the multicultural community and other groups within the community. 
In 2009, NDS ACT ensured that the industry’s voice was heard through its active participation in key community bodies and forums including:
•	Social Enterprises Hub Steering Committee
•	Community Sector Peaks Forum
•	Joint Community Government Reference Group
•	Strategic Governance Group
•	Disability Workforce Working Group
•	Community Sector Viability Working Group
•	From House to Home Steering Committee
•	Post-school Transitions Working Group
•	Community Reference Group on Implementation of ACT Government Policy Framework.
In 2009, NDS ACT achieved a high public profile through local publications and the media, including placement of prominent articles regarding their role in promoting sector sustainability. Through effective use of appropriate publicity, NDS ACT has ensured that the perspective of its members has been brought to the attention of the ACT community. 
Information and networking
In 2009, NDS ACT commenced its free ‘Member Information Sessions’, a series of professional development forums for members. The inaugural session, ’Leading through Change: Equipping Yourself for Success’, provided participants with practical guidance on managing organisations during periods of change. 
NDS ACT provided regular NDS News Updates throughout the year to advise members of current issues. These were supplemented with forums covering an extensive range of topics including ‘Risk Management’ and ‘What Keeps You Awake at Night?’, sessions which provided an opportunity for members to consider the issues which the sector faces in the next 5–10 years.
NDS ACT also facilitated forums to provide coordinated feedback to government on a number of policy areas and government projects, including:
•	The development of Strategic Directions for 2009–14
•	Portable Long Service Leave for the Community Sector
•	Budget Priorities
•	The Review of Special Education in the ACT School System
•	Future Options for Supported Accommodation
•	Post-school Transitions
•	Community Inclusion.
Projects (special project funding) 
’Strengthening the Sector’ was the major project focus for NDS ACT in 2009. Funded by the ACT Government in recognition of NDS ACT’s capacity to develop practical options for supporting the sustainability of the disability sector, the project explored governance, human resources, financial management, service delivery and business models. A highly inclusive process ensured that the issues canvassed and solutions developed were all carefully tested with a range of organisations. 
Scheduled to conclude in December 2009, ‘Strengthening the Sector’ is expected to inform a forward agenda of sector-wide reform. The project has contributed to the sustainability of the disability services sector in the ACT through a range of practical outcomes, including: 
•	development of a risk management planning framework, including tools and sector-level risk assessment, which are already being utilised at the organisational level
•	a governance survey undertaken, which identified issues of potential concern to the sector at the board level and, supported by extensive research in the area, informed the development of a ‘Governance Better Practice Guide’
•	a business model analysis exercise which was completed with the support of a working group, and sought to highlight risks and options for service delivery based on the make-up of organisational structure
•	a human resources workforce pilot which was completed, featuring development and trial of tools and frameworks for human resources management in the not-for-profit sector
•	a purchasing survey undertaken to identify potential for shared purchasing and panel opportunities
•	a service plan tool, piloted at Sharing Places Inc., designed to assist organisations in determining their costs, understanding their service types and looking at efficiencies and effectiveness 
•	a funder engagement model which was provided to NDS ACT members for their use
•	an outputs based funding model which was developed and will be the subject of further work.
Joan Berry Scholarship
The first Joan Berry Scholarship was awarded in 2009. A living legacy to the generosity of an NDS ACT member who left a generous bequest to the organisation, the scholarship was awarded by the ACT Chief Minister to Ms Vanessa Attridge, an employee of NDS ACT member organisation LEAD. An annual award, the scholarship program represents a practical strategy by which NDS ACT supports the disability workforce through opportunities to access funded continuing education. 

New South Wales
2008–09 marks a year of significant growth for NDS NSW. Such growth is not possible without a strong foundation and proven success in both policy and projects – two key platforms from which NDS NSW has excelled over the past 12 months. Working closely with the sector, and in partnership with the NSW Minister for Disability Services and the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC), NDS NSW has played a pivotal role in building the capacity of disability services. The ultimate aim of supporting a strong and diverse sector is to achieve quality outcomes for people with disability and their families, both now and into the future.
Policy advice and influence
NDS NSW has invested in its policy team over the past 12 months, which has lead to the development of numerous policy positions and has influenced the direction of government policies and programs.
In 2008–09, NDS NSW was represented on more than 30 reference groups and working parties, providing high level advice to government. These included the Minister’s Roundtable on Accommodation and Respite Policies and the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) Service System Advisory Group. NDS NSW also provided advice to DADHC on an array of issues including packaged support and quality reform. In addition, NDS NSW has forged strong and ongoing relationships with a number of key advocacy groups.
The NDS NSW subcommittee structure provides a strong platform from which many policy positions and papers are developed. 2008–09 was no exception with valuable member input playing a key role in influencing policies through the NDS NSW subcommittee structure. The seven NDS NSW subcommittees mirror the national committees. In addition, NDS NSW convened a number of member forums around issues including child protection, health care and disability, and vacancy management in accommodation services.
The Annual NDS NSW State Conference theme, ‘Strength to Strength’, set the stage for the dissemination of cutting edge research and practice and provided invaluable networking opportunities for staff and management across the sector.
The nine NDS NSW quarterly regional meetings continued to be a success, with attendance rates increasing and a greater focus on content to support real and robust conversations with disability services in each region. Feedback mechanisms ensure the validation of provider concerns and queries and make more visible the work of NDS NSW.
Projects
NDS NSW attracted a significant expansion of income from government during 2008–09. The majority of this additional funding is in the form of project initiatives aimed at building the capacity of the sector to thrive during a time of significant investment in disability services.
Diversity amongst those we support and those we employ is a priority for the sector, and underpins the Workforce Recruitment Project and the Aboriginal Resources and Pathways (ARP) project. To assist the sector in attracting, recruiting and retaining staff, the Workforce Recruitment Project commenced and achieved significant milestones in the past year. On the back of this success, a media campaign is soon to be launched alongside a recruitment support service specifically dedicated to the disability and community care sector. This project will play a pivotal role in building the profile of the sector within the wider public.
The Aboriginal Resources and Pathways project officially ended this financial year. Nine networks have been established in the metro south and southern regions and the ARP website was launched providing the sector with valuable data, literature and research on improving access to disability services for Aboriginal people with disability. Given the high level of interest in this project, NDS NSW anticipates its extension and expansion in 2009–10.
The participation and inclusion of people with disability in the community is the centrepiece of much of NDS NSW’s work, with the Companion Card project proving to be a highly successful mechanism by which to achieve this for people with severe, profound and lifelong disability who require support to access their community. Since its launch in March, just over 2,000 people have been issued with a Companion Card in NSW, with applications continuing to increase in volume.
Building the capacity of services from within is the focus of a number of projects that NDS NSW has carriage of, all of which are funded by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. The Disability Safe project continues to successfully re-shape understanding between DADHC, WorkCover and disability services, and has provided a number of training opportunities aimed at reducing the costs of workers compensation and compliance across the sector. Cultivating best organisation practice is also represented by the Good Governance project. Based on the ‘It’s Your Business’ manual developed by DADHC, this project aims to develop the skills and knowledge of boards and CEOs, around critical governance issues, through a variety of training and development opportunities. 
In addition, NDS NSW continues to roll out state-wide training in Microsoft Excel and the Unit Costing Tool, providing a robust platform from which organisations can quantify the true costs of service delivery. This valuable resource also enables organisations to plan their cost structure in relation to a number of potentially changing variables.
The Future Looks Bright
Following the NSW State Budget for 2009–10, NDS NSW has received significant funding, most notably through the Industry Development Fund. With an investment of $17 million over three years, NDS NSW will be administering the fund in partnership with government. This signals a significant and highly visible commitment by government, and in particular DADHC, to recognise, through substantial investment, the critical role played by non-government disability services in this state.
NDS NSW proudly forms part of the national NDS NSW structure, working closely with our national, state and territory colleagues to improve the quality of services for people with disability and their families across the country. The shared expertise utilised across NDS NSW has also served to deliver greater outcomes for members.
NDS NSW relies heavily on its staff to implement strategic directions and priorities. The expertise, diligence and commitment of our staff are to be applauded. In an era of unprecedented growth in the non-government disability services sector, challenges still remain. In looking to the year ahead, NDS NSW will continue to work for a viable, equitable and sustainable service system across issues such as funded Social and Community Services (SACS) Award increases, packaged support, respite services and sector development. All this will be achieved through the continued rollout of the Stronger Together initiative along with obtaining a commitment from government for Stronger Together II to be fully funded.
NDS welcomes these challenges and looks forward to continuing to work closely with members and government.

Northern Territory
During the past twelve months NDS NT reached a major milestone through the establishment of a staffed office in Darwin. The expansion of NDS NT was the direct result of work undertaken in the previous year by an enthusiastic committee which attracted substantially increased funding from the Department of Health and Families (DHF). NDS NT now has the capacity to make an important contribution to the Northern Territory disability sector through extensive sector development activities and more effective and responsive support to our members.
The Quality Framework Project
In 2006 DHF engaged KPMG to undertake a major review of disability services in the Northern Territory. The review recommended significant changes to the provision of disability services. One of the major recommendations was the development and implementation of an integrated service model to guide major change in the provision of disability services, both government and non-government.
Quality management is one of the key characteristics of the integrated service model. NDS NT will undertake a project to develop a framework that aligns service delivery with contemporary practice models and relevant legislation and standards. The project will engage service providers in an inclusive development process that focuses on quality service delivery, improvement of service user outcomes, effective and efficient use of resources, streamlining monitoring and reporting requirements and meeting relevant legislative standards. 
The Quality Framework Project has huge potential for improving quality outcomes for clients and service providers. The project will provide opportunities for real engagement with service providers, including those in remote areas. It will also assist DHF and NDS NT to gain a greater understanding of the most appropriate and relevant quality management systems required to support service delivery where isolation and distance present unique and interesting challenges.
National Workforce Project
In 2008–09 Somerville Community Services was the Northern Territory’s pilot site for NDS Queensland’s National Workforce Project. Somerville investigated workforce retention, training and the more effective provision of client focused service delivery models through four projects. These projects were:
•	the use of incentives to retain staff 
•	restructuring positions to meet the requirements of international workforce visa restrictions 
•	the establishment of informal and formal partnerships with tertiary institutions to improve training outcomes 
•	job redesign to meet emerging service provision requirements. 
The body of work undertaken by the pilot site, including achievements and challenges, will be shared through the NDS NT Committee.
Disability Awareness Week
NDS NT once again participated in the annual Disability Awareness Week in September 2008, providing an information stall at Raintree Park. These events continue to facilitate excellent networking and awareness raising opportunities for staff and members. 
Representation to government 
NDS NT has taken a proactive approach to its relationships with government through regular meetings with the Minister for Family and Community Services and senior officers on a range of matters relevant to the disability sector. NDS NT has also participated as an active member of the Disability Advisory Council. 
Community consultations
NDS NT participated in the Disability Parking Scheme consultations and the FaHCSIA Family Support Program consultations. The ability for NDS NT to participate in consultations and make representation on behalf of members and the disability sector has significantly improved with the employment of two full-time staff members.
Looking to the future
NDS NT’s vision is to build on the achievements of the last year and consolidate its presence across the Northern Territory during the coming year. The opening of the Northern Territory office provides a stronger presence for NDS NT and the capacity to provide a more responsive peak body function for members and prospective members, as well as working in partnership with government on projects which improve service delivery outcomes. The work undertaken by Fiona Hofmeyer and Lyndell Chambers in the establishment of the new Darwin office was very much appreciated. The increase in resources and effort will take NDS NT to a new level in the Northern Territory.

Queensland
Advice to state government on policy and service delivery
NDS QLD provided advice to the state government on a range of matters, including moving young people out of residential care, disability action plans across all departments, the drafting and implementation of restrictive practice amendments to the Disability Services Act (2006), government responses to disability workforce challenges, and the unintended consequences of proceeding with the current Growing Stronger reform agenda.
NDS provided evidence on behalf of its members at the Public Accounts Parliamentary Inquiry, based on previous input to the Public Service Performance Commission and the Office of the Auditor General, regarding inadequate funding levels, administrative inefficiencies and burdensome compliance requirements. NDS QLD continues to give advice to government on these issues, the most effective of which has been through membership on the Queensland Compact Governance Committee.
NDS QLD was also a key driver in the development of the blue skies scenario – a vision for an alternate future for people with disability, their families and supporters in Queensland. NDS QLD worked closely with key stakeholders including service providers, parent advocates, systems advocates, people with disability, and senior public servants to develop a community response to needs of people with disability in the community. The group has commenced the work of identifying and negotiating the shifts in policy and investment strategy required to realise the vision, and to engage the broader community on questions around developing inclusiveness. NDS QLD has commenced the conversation with its members about what such a vision means for service delivery responses, with acknowledgement that government policy and funding arrangements need to support such a response.
Consultation and representation with NDS QLD members
NDS QLD has gathered a range of data relating to workforce, cost of service delivery, and the economic contribution of the sector to local communities, primarily to inform efforts at influencing the policy environment in which services operate.
Specific consultation and lobby efforts have been conducted with regard to the restrictive practice amendments to the Disability Services Act (2006) and the associated chemical restraint policy framework. While the legislative changes and policy framework did not ultimately reflect the needs and wishes of service providers, unintended consequences and likely risks associated with the amendments were documented and acknowledged by government, the Office of the Public Advocate and the Adult Guardian. NDS QLD is a member of the research advisory group of the Centre for Excellence in Behavioural Support (University of QLD), with contributions focusing on the need for research to be relevant to current service delivery paradigms and issues.
NDS is a member of the Community Service Futures Forum, an alliance of more than 40 statewide and peak bodies across all community service industries, and has contributed strongly to the development of a Queensland Compact and Action Plan. NDS QLD is also a founding member of the Compact Governance Committee.
Information and networking
NDS QLD conducted its second Communities of Practice conference in October, 2008. This was followed up by a series of hosted conversations around the question, ‘What would it take to create a disability service system that meets the needs of all Queenslanders?’ Two hundred and thirty people participated in the initial day of conversations with feedback presented on the NDS QLD website and in formal presentation to the NDS/DSQ (Disability Services Queensland) Partnership Forum 10 days later. A number of similar events, including two regional conversations to introduce the new Minister for Disability Services, were conducted in North and Far North Queensland early this year, with positive responses from both government and the sector.
NDS has formally supported the establishment of service provider networks and collaborations in North Queensland (through the North Queensland Managers Retreat in October), the 30 Mob (a group of 30 small service managers) and more recently, the emergence of a community of practice in Rockhampton. NDS QLD has identified and supported the development of a number of emerging leaders by linking members with mentors and funding professional development opportunities
NDS QLD has maintained a strong website presence to disseminate information on NDS QLD activities and the outcomes of these activities across the state. YouTube and interactive forums have been trialed, the most effective of which has been the NDS QLD job board.
Projects
NDS QLD has continued its support of service providers through a range of sector development, quality and state-based workforce project activities, aimed at building identity, resilience and strength of stakeholder engagement. All funded services are now quality certified and workforce is a high priority on their agendas. NDS QLD has established a local job board with free advertising of jobs available to its members, and has begun establishing a strong presence at regional career expos.
National Workforce Project
NDS’s two-year National Workforce Project, funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) was finalised during this period. Our work this year capitalised on the work of the previous year — which focused on building an understanding of the disability workforce in the broader Australian labour market context.
Through the development and delivery of a basic awareness raising workshop, disability organisations in every state and territory had the opportunity to explore the workforce capacity challenges facing the sector and what the implications might be for their own sustainability.
This year, the project continued its work with 13 pilot sites across Australia, who had been trialling a range of strategies to address the workforce challenges that they were experiencing. Pilot sites chose to address a range of issues, including:
•	high turnover
•	gender and age profile mix
•	challenges associated with rapid service growth.
The progress of the pilot’s strategies were using the Most Significant Change evaluation methodology, which involves gathering stories of change from multiple stakeholders from the pilot project teams, at three points in time. Rounds One, Two and Three of the Most Significant Change interviews are now available for download, along with:
•	the final Project report
•	the Project rationale
•	awareness raising tools
•	our Recruitment and Retention Toolkit
•	a literature review
•	results from our National Workforce Survey
•	an overview of the pilot sites
•	pilot site project reports
•	a pilot project analysis.

South Australia
Member organisations in South Australia have looked beyond the additional challenges they have faced over the past 12 months to ensure the continued provision of everyday quality services and life opportunities for people with disability, families and carers. Their ‘can do’ spirit is amazing, and NDS SA has been proud to be able to assist them in their work and to advocate on their behalf.
Other input of significance has been a deliberate shift by NDS SA staff and advisory committees to a work smarter/provide solutions philosophy to underpin NDS’s representation to government. This requires the development of achievable strategic initiatives that address the reality of what it is believed the non-government, not-for-profit sector will look like in the future. Under this new philosophy, NDS SA advisory committees have commenced their contributions to NDS’s first planning document, a Blueprint for Disability Services in South Australia.
The knowledge and experience of NDS SA divisional committee members were harnessed to determine sustainability strategies for presentation to the Minister for Disability, to address the challenges facing both the non-government disability services sector and the government. These well-considered and debated initiatives included a recommendation to drop the stamp duty on motor vehicles used to provide services to people with disability. NDS SA believed this initiative would free up funds that could be allocated to additional service provision. Another initiative was to make available, on application, once-off, time-limited viability grants to non-government service providers during the economic downturn. Two meetings were secured with the Minister. However, despite these representations, it was disappointing to be informed that no stimulus strategies to assist non-government disability organisations facing difficulties would be included in the state government’s 2009–10 budget.
Now in its third year, the Companion Card program has achieved many milestones with 2,355 persons with lifelong disability holding Companion Cards and 165 venues signed as affiliates. To date NDS SA has had responsibility for the marketing of the Companion Card, the current funding for which has progressively reduced and is due to cease in June 2010. A submission for further funding of this important initiative was put to the Department for Families and Communities (DFC) in February. 
’Being affiliated with the Companion Card program has enabled the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and its ticketing agent, Ticketek, to easily identify patrons with a special need in relation to purchasing tickets and gaining access for a carer to an event at the venue. This means a quicker, easier transaction for the patron and ensures they have access to seating which suits their requirements (subject to availability).’ Sally Arch, General Manager – Venue Services, Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Workforce capacity continued to be identified as a significant concern for disability service providers in this state, and during the year NDS SA provided a number of opportunities to assist member organisations in becoming stronger, better skilled, more informed and sustainable. One such opportunity, provided with funding assistance from, and collaboration with DFC, Department of Trade and Economic Development and SA Health and Community Services Skills Board, followed the development of a scoping paper that identified what workforce development skills training and education opportunities were available and accessible to NDS SA members. The intelligence from this exercise informed the delivery of three full-day Building Business Capability in Workforce Development workshops for representatives from 20 disability service provider organisations. These workshops, which commenced this financial year, will be interspersed by three on-site, one-on-one consultancy visits at which each participating organisation will be assisted in determining their individual workforce development needs. A final report compiled from information obtained from the one-on-one visits will inform a needs-based Professional Development Training Calendar for 2010.
’The Building Business Capability workshops and consultancies have provided a great opportunity to take advantage of expert knowledge, tools and resources and to share new ideas with other service providers.’ Sandra Montagu, Human Resource Manager, Finding Workable Solutions.
Opportunities for members to keep informed of issues and changes pertinent to the disability sector were afforded by way of regular News Updates and Info-E’s, quarterly Government/Non-Government Disability Sector Relations Forums, a joint forum with Association of Competitive Employers on Open Employment and a workshop on Developing a Disability Action Plan. NDS SA was also a partner in presenting a two-day conference Disability in SA: Shifting the Paradigms, at which Dr Ken Baker, Chief Executive, NDS SA was keynote speaker. 
The contribution of two-thirds of NDS SA member organisations to NDS advisory committees was again significant this year, and ensured that the SA Division was well informed when representing the sector to government.
NDS consulted widely with members and was able to influence two new government policies: Direct Health Support of People with a Disability Policy for which six implementation workshops were conducted in both metropolitan and country areas, and the draft People with a Disability Consent to Service Policy. The master and service agreements were also revised with considerable input from NDS.
NDS SA represented members’ interests at four partnership focus group sessions hosted by DFC. Four main themes were identified: Relationships, Funding, Information and Administration. NDS SA is working with DFC to produce a report and action plan containing strategies to address the issues raised.
The participation of non-government disability organisations in the DFC quality accreditation program, Service Excellence, has been commendable. Six non-government disability organisations have achieved award status, 30 certificate status and a further 100 have committed to undertake the program. NDS SA has been a proud supporter and contributor to this program. 
’The Service Excellence Program was the tool that brought about positive change to Barossa Enterprises.’ Geoff Blackwood, CEO, Barossa Enterprises.
Early in 2009 NDS SA gained 27 new member organisations as a result of the cessation of the Physical and Neurological Council which transferred membership and assets to NDS. In the past, the council has had a regular presence in rural areas through attendance at field days and expos, and, subject to continuity of funding, it is intended NDS SA will continue this rural presence and extend the involvement to its wider membership.
What has been particularly exciting during 2008–09 has been the relocation of the NDS SA Division to its own suite of offices. With support from NDS National Office and other state divisions, and a successful Community Benefit Grant for IT equipment, NDS SA now has its own identity and professional presence.

Tasmania
Following a comprehensive review of disability services by KPMG, the Tasmanian Government accepted the need for recommended sweeping reforms and established the Reform Implementation Unit.
NDS TAS has received $100,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to work in partnership with the Reform Implementation Unit to assist communication with the disability sector and prepare a report on new options for Community Access Services.
During the past 12 months there has been continuing consultation about the development of an appropriate model for referral services to Specialist Disability Service Providers when the new regional Gateway Model includes disability in 2010. NDS TAS is represented on the three committees responsible for developing the Gateway Model, a Common Assessment Framework and Unit Pricing.
In addition we have worked closely with the Disability, Child Youth and Family Services staff as new regional arrangements were introduced, so we met on a regular basis to review progress, discuss issues of mutual concern and develop appropriate solutions. NDS TAS has coordinated member briefings and maintained communication throughout this period. 
NDS TAS played a pivotal role in the development of the Disability Services Industry Wages Agreement 2009 significantly improving the wages of disability support workers working for non-government services. NDS, with the Health and Community Services Union, coordinated the agreement with a majority of members and it was upheld by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission in November 2008. NDS TAS was then required to engage in a lengthy process to convince the state government to fund the essential increase and the Minister for Human Services announced supplementary funding at the NDS National Workforce Conference in May 2009.
During this year there have been major changes within the Department of Health and Human Services so NDS TAS members have participated in a large number of forums including: 
•	implementation of the KPMG Review Recommendations, relating to the establishment of ‘Future Communities’
•	partnership workshops
•	quality and safety review
•	integrated finance and performance indicators
•	unit pricing.
During 2008–09 NDS Tasmania:
•	prepared a submission on the Abuse of Children in State Care which was well received by the House of Assembly and prompted a tri-partisan debate and agreement to review the Disability Services Act and commit to the International Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities
•	prepared the 2009–10 Budget Priority Submission highlighting the need for a new Disability Industry Wages Agreement and the allocation of Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) resources
•	prepared a submission on the Community Equipment Scheme for the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Community Services investigating the availability of assistive technology in Tasmania
•	hosted a social function for 60 people to mark International Day for People with Disabilities which was attended by the Human Services Minister, Lin Thorp, who committed to working to address critical need in the provision of disability services in Tasmania
•	circulated its Budget Priority Submission to all state members and arranged personal meetings to focus on the urgency of wage increases. This was a major priority as the Tasmanian Government flagged reduced levels of funding in the 2009–10 budget due to the global economic crisis
•	hosted the launch of its Annual Awards for Leadership and Innovation presented by Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Children’s Services, The Hon. Bill Shorten MP
•	released its 2009–10 Disability Budget Impact Statement identifying considering progress in the DHHS reform process
•	prepared a submission to the Health Minister in advance of amendments to the Poisons Act to highlight the professional role of disability workers in the administration of medication
•	hosted the Seniors Parliament during Seniors Week in October. The event was held in the Tasmanian Legislative Council where the President, Sue Smith, welcomed the participants. Recommendations focusing primarily on ageing in place and transport were sent to local state and federal government representatives
•	updated its Resource Directory and distributed it to key Tasmanian government agencies and community organisations
•	prepared a response to the Review of Peak Bodies in Tasmania identifying the key role NDS TAS plays in representing disability service providers.
Tasmanian Projects
Community Access Project
NDS is researching best practice in Community Access Services to inform recommendations to the Reform Implementation Unit. This project has involved interviews with service providers and clients to gain an understanding of the need for a variety of flexible options to be introduced in Tasmania. A report will be available for public comment in November 2009 and will be finalised with recommendations to the department in February 2010.
Workforce Initiatives
The Annual NDS/ASSID ‘Celebrating Support Workers’ Conference attracted 180 delegates and the two-day program was well received by all who attended. It was opened by Parliamentary Secretary Lisa Singh and involved a range of speakers representative of the disability sector. The Inaugural Alex Tubb ‘Young Worker Award’ was presented to Kellie Silver and she spent a week’s work experience visiting a range of Victorian service providers.
A network of registered training organisations linked to Skills Tasmania and the Workforce Development Unit within DHHS was developed to assist with the coordination and planning of new training options. This has encouraged networking via a Skills Tasmania funded website which hosts information about upcoming events, training and online discussion.
NDS TAS piloted a five-day Schools Work Experience Program to give nine Grade 10 students the opportunity to consider the disability sector as a future career path. Students were given an overview of NDS Tasmania, the work of members and were introduced to Auslan. The students visited several services and were then assigned a service for two days of work experience. A majority of these students have committed to specific training or voluntary work in the disability sector as a direct outcome of their work experience. The Education Department complimented NDS TAS on the program and invited us to continue coordinating this work experience program.
Disability Framework for Action
Through the Premier’s Disability Advisory Council the state manager has been working with other members to assess the way in which government departments implement their Disability Action Plans. This work is central to the goals of the KPMG reform process which aims to expand the options of people living with disability by being able to access both generic and specialist services on a needs basis.
This has involved the NDS TAS office in discussions with a number of state government departments about the access and inclusion policies, including transport, housing education, employment, sport and recreation. NDS TAS prepared a submission to the Tasmanian Social Inclusion Unit urging a greater focus on policy that addresses the social exclusion of people with disability.
NDS TAS is represented on the Equal Access Advisory Committee of the Hobart City Council and the Equity Committee of Skills Tasmania.

Victoria
Advice on government policy and service development
NDS VIC has strengthened its reputation as a credible, strong voice for the sector during its second year as the single peak body for Victorian disability services. Advice has been provided through regular meetings with senior government officials in the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Planning and Community Development, Victorian Managed Insurance Authority and WorkSafe, the Minister for Community Services and ministerial advisors. 
Major outcomes of this work are as follows:
•	Six monthly meetings of the Disability Services Division Executive and NDS VIC state committee to plan and review areas of joint work, with a focus on sector sustainability, planning, quality and research 
•	Agreement to 3.14% annual indexation and a $2 million sector capacity grant for 2009–12. The community sector working group, of which NDS VIC was part, commissioned research to analyse relevant indexation measures and efficiency gains and NDS VIC participated in a Parliamentary Advocacy Day (40 parliamentarians participated) 
•	Review of the cost of out of home disability supports. This work found a shortfall in funding for supported accommodation and day services. Following a disappointing state budget outcome, DHS agreed that further work would be undertaken in this area
•	Strong representation in community sector and government discussions regarding a proposed portable long service leave scheme, which will apply to all not-for-profit community services. NDS VIC has recommended other strategies as being more effective and opposed the shape and structure of the proposed scheme due to its impact on service providers’ financial viability
•	Strong representation to refine the model and guidelines for Individualised Support Packages and identify and address transition issues for the sector.
•	Successful advocacy for sector capacity building project funding in relation to risk management, strategic, business and financial planning, workforce planning, implementation of quality systems and governance
•	Strong contribution to the development of the Victorian Workforce Planning and Development Strategy. 
2008–09 budget submission
NDS VIC’s priority was ‘Sustaining Service Quality and Choice’, and sought increased unit prices, 4.2% price indexation and Workforce Strategy funding. NDS VIC also sought new accommodation support packages, upgrading and extending of housing stock and early childhood intervention places. 
While the budget outcome did not address the fundamental issue of unit prices, funding was granted for price indexation, Workforce Strategy, early childhood intervention, Individual Support Packages and capital funding for supported accommodation for young adults with high support needs.
Submissions
NDS VIC has written submissions in relation to the Portable Long Service Scheme, Inquiry into Supported Accommodation for People with a Disability and Mental Health Issues (NDS VIC and as a member of the Coalition for Disability Rights), Individualised Support Package Guidelines, Community Visitors Protocol, Sector Reorientation Communication Strategy, Vulnerable Youth Framework and the Redevelopment of the Aids and Equipment program. NDS VIC also presented at a hearing for the Inquiry into Supported Accommodation.
Other key decision makers
NDS VIC met with senior officials from the offices of the Treasurer and Premier, as well as key government departments to discuss NDS’ state budget submission, and has an ongoing relationship with these offices. 
NDS also worked with the Disability Services Commissioner (to improve complaints management), Senior Practitioner Research Reference Group, Senior Practitioner Statewide Partnerships (to review and provide advice regarding restrictive interventions) and the Office for the Public Advocate regarding the Community Visitor Protocol. NDS VIC has maintained regular liaison with the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) regarding Australian Disability Enterprises, and has strengthened liaison with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Consultation and representation with members
NDS participated in external working groups and forums on the following topics:
•	With DHS: Industry Advisory Group and associated working groups – Workforce, Governance and Management, Employment of People with a Disability and Research and Quality Framework
•	With DHS: Price Reviews, Human Services Partnership Implementation Committee, Palliative Care, Aids and Equipment Redevelopment, Colanda Future Needs, Research, Support Worker Awards and Scholarships and Study Tour Awards
•	With broader government: Disability Services Board, Senior Practitioner Statewide Partnerships, Community Sector Regulatory Reform and WorkSafe OHS Project.
Subcommittees and working groups
Ten subcommittees met regularly, including Accommodation and Community Support, Disability Employment Networks, Australian Disability Enterprises, Children Young People and Families, Social Participation, Workforce Planning and Development, Ageing and Disability and Occupational Health and Safety. Subcommittees contributed strongly to NDS VIC projects and advice to government. 
Member forums were held every 2–3 months for employment services, accommodation, and occupational health and safety, and two forums were held about the reorientation of day services. 
NDS held two rounds of regional meetings to hear about local issues and trends and consult about specific topics including the Aids and Equipment Scheme Redevelopment. 
Information and networking
NDS VIC has continued to work with the broader community sector with a focus on:
•	Training: Social Science Industry Advisory Group, Community Services and Health Industry Training Board
•	Community sector: Peaks/Statewide Networks Forum, Price Indexation
•	Coalition for Disability Rights: Carers Victoria, Victorian Disability Advocacy Network and Association for Children with a Disability
•	Industrial relations: the Victorian Hospitals Industry Association regarding development of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements. 
Projects
Project funding grew from $60,000 in 2007–08 to $691,300 to be expended in 2008–09, with funders including DHS, Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, WorkSafe and the Helen McPherson Smith Trust. 
Good Governance Project
This project commenced in 2007 and has developed resources and training for boards in relation to the Disability Act and the Quality Framework. There has been high take up of training with 99% requests from small organisations. By June 2009, 89 workshops had been delivered. Further funding has been received to develop a further three modules and deliver up to 100 additional training sessions.
Quality Project 
The project established and supported nine networks (104 organisations) to facilitate implementation of the Quality Framework and prepare for independent monitoring. A conference in February 2009 showcased learnings and a second round of networks has been funded for 2009–10.
Occupational Health and Safety Project
This three year project, funded by WorkSafe, has focused on addressing systemic issues as well as providing opportunities for practical networking and support. Progress includes a commitment from DHS and WorkSafe to work collaboratively to address OHS issues, establishment of regional networks, collaboration with registered training organisations to tailor OHS courses, and exploration of legal issues regarding consent to enter residential homes. 
Risk Management Project
This project is co-funded by DHS and the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, and will support disability services to apply strategic and operational risk management analysis and control processes. The risk management and control framework has been piloted across five sites and funding for the next stage of the project has been provided to deliver additional templates, tools and training. 
Ageing and Disability Research 
Research funded by the Helen McPherson Smith Trust identified formal and informal barriers that arise from policy, practice, procedures, staff skills and attitudes. Report recommendations focus on short to longer term practice and policy solutions that will support people with disability to ‘age in place’.

Western Australia
Advice to state government on policy and service delivery
Budget submission
NDS WA prepared its budget submission prior to the announcement of a state election. The timing of its release ensured that the submission was considered by both major parties in formulating their disability policy election commitments.
Several of the NDS WA budget strategies were incorporated into the disability election policy of the Liberal Party which won government. Accordingly, the new government is fulfilling these election commitments. 
Housing research project
There are significant government reforms to the community housing regulation system and the WA disability service providers have expressed concerns about the implications for the sector. NDS WA has conveyed the concerns to the relevant government departments and identified the need for disability service providers to consider where they should be positioned to ensure future housing needs are satisfied.
As a result the Disability Services Commission (DSC) has funded NDS WA to engage a consultant to identify and evaluate options for establishing an interface between the specialist disability services sector and the Department of Health (DOH), to ensure timely access to appropriate housing for people with disability into the future.
Quality Management Framework (QMF)
Given that the QMF was piloted with the Alternatives to Employment (ATE) service providers, NDS WA played an active and valuable role in feeding back to DSC on the development of the framework.
NDS had input and influence over the establishment of the new ATE Continuous Improvement Group (DSC), insisting on strong sector input into membership of the group. Feedback was also provided on the Self Assessment Tool developed by KPMG. 
Consultation and representation with members
Review of the Disability Services Act
NDS WA followed the review of the Disability Services Act and, based on consultation with its members, made a submission to the review committee. In brief, the submission stated NDS’s strong support for the continued existence of the DSC as a body dedicated specifically to working on behalf of and for people with disability.
Disability Future Directions 2025
NDS made a submission on the development of the Disability Future Directions plan during DSC’s Stage 1 environmental scan. The submission provided NDS’s vision for the lives of people with disability, their families and carers, in 15 to 20 years time, and highlighted three key factors that will most affect them: impact of demographics of ageing population, economy and advances in technology.
Two NDS WA representatives were involved in DSC’s Disability Future Directions 2025 Committee to guide the plan’s development. 
Decision making forum
NDS WA has examined a range of complex areas concerning determining a person’s capacity to consent and consenting to medical treatment and within this context, the interaction between people with disability, their families, and their service providers.
NDS convened a decision making forum that provided an opportunity for service providers to gain a better understanding of their position in relation to making decisions for people with decision making disabilities, and to raise specific scenarios for discussion, information and advice.
NDS is planning to use the information provided at the forum, in conjunction with other research, to develop a guide/toolkit for service providers. 
Committees
NDS WA committees structure form an important forum for ensuring WA members are informed, consulted and engaged on a wide range of disability issues and developments. 
NDS continues to support standing subcommittees that focus on Accommodation, Australian Disability Enterprises, Children and Youth, Disability and Ageing, Disability Employment Network, Social Participation, Human Resources and Financial Advisory and Regional Services. However NDS WA is also responsive to emerging issues and has established time-limited working parties to look at issues such as support worker wages, governance and health governance. 
Information and networking
Disability Support Worker Awards
The inaugural gala dinner for the Disability Support Workers Awards 2009, hosted by NDS WA in partnership with DSC, was an outstanding success. The evening was at capacity with over 470 participants drawn from a wide cross-section of Western Australian disability service providers. The awards recognised the outstanding achievements and contributions made by disability support workers. 
Research partnerships
Good research and reliable data can drive service development and improvement, and inform budgetary planning. NDS WA has partnered with professional research bodies to initiate research projects that will enhance the quality of service provision and demonstrate to government that the funding they provide results in valuable outcomes. NDS WA has been involved in the following two research projects over the past year:
Personalised Residential Supports (PRS) 
A joint initiative with Curtin University, Developmental Disability Council and family representatives to describe and prioritise elements of the PRS model. The project provided information about the nature, purposes, and outcomes of personalised residential supports from the perspectives of key stakeholder groups.
Individual Needs Planning 
The project was a joint initiative with Curtin University and Nulsen Haven Association, to investigate planning around the individual needs of people with disability and to identify good practice. The focus was on the approaches used by formal providers of accommodation services in Western Australia. 
State Conferences
NDS WA planned and coordinated the following two state conferences during 2008:
Living in the West
This conference was based on the theme ‘Finding the Balance – sustaining service quality under increasing pressures’ and attracted over 200 attendees.
Working in the West
This conference was held in partnership with the Australian College of Educators (ACE). Over 200 delegates attended and considered the maintenance of values in an increasingly bureaucratised employment system. 
Resources
NDS WA produced the following two resources for disability service providers:
Pandemic Preparedness Resource
This is a resource to assist disability service providers to prepare for and respond to a pandemic or similar event. ‘Pandemic Preparedness for Western Australian Disability Services’ includes a checklist for organisations to use to assess their current practice and identify areas for service improvement.
Resource Manual on Prevention and Management of Sexual Abuse
An information resource, ‘Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Sexual Abuse in Disability Services in Western Australia’, which has been developed to provide clear guidelines to promote safety, prevent sexual assault and improve response strategies to incidents of sexual assault.
Projects 
Disability Sector Training Liaison Project
This project provided a critical conduit for all stakeholders and a number of strategies have been implemented to develop an effective and sustainable training system for disability support workers. There has been broad consultation with both service providers and training providers to gather feedback on the training needs and other identified issues for support worker training.
As a result, the project has initiated:
•	the formation of the Disability Training Coordinators Network and the Disability Sector Training Network 
•	the expansion the IDEASWA website 
•	training linkages between other disability service providers. 
Professional development
In collaboration with DSC, NDS WA has co-funded a professional development initiative. In the first six months of operation the initiative has successfully delivered a wide range of workshops and events including:
•	Projects showcase 
•	Optimal individual service design
•	Effectively managing complaints
•	Family centred practice
•	Motivating jobseekers
•	Decision making capacity forum
•	The Not for Profit Board.
These events reflect the needs identified in earlier research and more recent feedback from NDS WA members. To date, some 410 people have attended events and most events have been fully booked.
Aboriginal Project
This project promotes the development of disability services that are culturally responsive to Aboriginal people, and strategies that increase the employment of the Aboriginal people in the sector.
The project has included several cultural awareness forums, individual capacity building advice to organisations, support to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan and the development of a Cultural Awareness Resource for service providers. 
Community services
A major function of NDS WA is provided through direct services to people with a disability through the ACROD Parking Program and the Companion Card. Each year over 34,000 people with a disability receive information and support through these community services.
In the past year over 13,000 telephone calls were received and the branch distributed over 40,000 newsletters and other correspondence to support access to the community for people with a disability, their family, carers and friends. 
National Disability Services WA
Companion Card
The program is in its fourth year of operation and has continued focus on:
•	increasing the number of affiliated venue and event options
•	developing partnership projects with other agencies
•	maintaining the important relationship between card holders and affiliates
•	identifying and exploring new and exciting opportunities for card holders.
There has been an 8% increase in card holders with card numbers currently sitting at 4,252, and the number of affiliates has increased to over 310.
The focus on local government affiliation has been a priority in 2009 and currently 28% of local government authorities (LGAs) are affiliates. 
ACROD Parking Program
NDS WA, through the ACROD Parking Program, manages this large-scale, high profile program supporting better access to the community for people with a mobility disability. 
NDS WA has implemented changes in the ACROD Parking Program to support the demand on the program by various stakeholders including permit holders, government authorities, private businesses, media and the general community. This has resulted in the implementation of significant database improvements and the employment of key staff for the program’s advancement. 
There is a high level of community interest in the ACROD Parking Program and therefore an important aspect of the program is the management of public and media enquiries. Each month, approximately two media enquiries and over 120 telephone calls are received. 
The Federal Government has embarked on a scheme to nationally harmonise disability parking. Under FaHCSIA, a national working party with representatives from all jurisdictions including NDS, has participated to develop common eligibility criteria, concessions and permit designs.
NDS WA was contracted by FaHCSIA to establish and manage a national call centre operation and over 1,800 calls were received.
There are currently over 64,000 ACROD permit holders and during 2008–09 more than 9,000 new permit applications and 32,000 permit renewals were processed.