In a significant move towards improving the skills in the disability workforce in Tasmania, key stakeholders have come together today to sign the Industry Skills Compact.

This active partnership invests in the future of the disability industry through workforce development skills and training. It provides a mechanism to implement recommendations from the recent Disability Royal Commission, the NDIS Review and the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry, focusing on strengthening the workforce and getting better outcomes for people with disability.

At the signing of the compact, the Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis said, “Members of our disability sector play an invaluable role in our community, working tirelessly to keep Tasmanians supported, connected and healthy. The sector’s commitment to the Industry Skills Compact shows the industry is intent on investing in its own future, while working alongside government to create a clear path for growth.”

Minister for Disability Services, Jo Palmer, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to helping develop stronger communities for all Tasmanians. 

Today’s signing highlighted the importance of NDS as the peak body for the disability sector and celebrated employers, such as Multicap, who are leading the way in the adoption of flexible training that will foster a diverse, engaged, skilled and supported staff.

In developing the Compact Action Plan, the disability sector highlighted critical labour and skills shortages. It outlines a range of initiatives to support workforce development in the short, medium and long-term in three key areas:

• promoting pathways into and within the industry and providing high-quality training.
• developing and promoting career-awareness programs, which include regional areas, to create a pipeline for workers
• building training capability through strategic understanding and partnerships.

The collaboration between the state government and industry through the Industry Skills Compact underscores a shared commitment to delivering a sustainable and highly skilled disability workforce in Tasmania, ensuring that the sector continues to thrive and provide exceptional support to those in need.

Image description: (above) Honourable Felix Ellis MP, Minister for Skills and Training, Natalie Mayes from Multicap Tasmania, Lizzie Castles, State Manager NDS, Nigel Hill, NDS Tasmania Divisional Committee Chair, Kim Dean from St Michael’s RTO, and Monique Parsons from Skills Tasmania.