The Department of Social Services (DSS) is seeking feedback on a new discussion paper, The Future of Supported Employment [PDF], which outlines approaches to implementing the supported employment measures announced in the Australian Government’s 2023–24 budget. The government has allocated $57 million to fund the measures.  The initiatives include: 

The budget measures also include funding for: 

The discussion paper seeks feedback on the design of the new supported employment initiatives and includes key questions for consideration.  The six supported employment initiatives have been informed by the government’s twelve guiding principles for the future of supported employment, as well as feedback from various consultations. These include submissions to the Disability Royal Commission, input on government disability strategies and, importantly, NDS’s Industry Vision for Supported Employment.   DSS is developing an Easy Read version of the discussion paper, which will be available shortly. They are also arranging to consult directly with people with disability.  Written responses to the paper can be made to: SEPolicy@dss.gov.au by 9 August. Alternatively, a meeting can be arranged with departmental representatives by contacting SEPolicy@dss.gov.au.   NDS will be lodging a submission on the discussion paper and we would like feedback from members. Contact Paul Musso by 5:00pm (AWST) on 2 August: submit enquiry/feedback