$8.5m for NDIS transition

Group-based peer support, culturally appropriate services, and upskilling in regional areas are among initiatives to be funded through the Western Australian Sector Transition Fund.

The state government has announced an additional $8.5 million in funding for the disability sector to facilitate the transition to the NDIS in 2020-21.

The Sector Transition Fund is aimed at expanding capacity and assuring the sustainability of the WA disability sector.

The funding is targeted at preparing the disability sector to meet NDIS Commission requirements and institute positive behaviour support frameworks.

That includes $1.6 million towards increasing training opportunities for the disability workforce, $2.15 million to support service providers meet NDIS Commission requirements, and $1 million to support people with disability to realise their employment goals and for family members to self-advocate.

About $3.75 million has been allocated towards addressing thin markets in regional WA and bolstering the capacity of service providers to support Aboriginal people and people with psychosocial disability.

Quality assurance panels are also expected to engage independent behaviour support practitioners with a further $1.25 million atop the Sector Transition Fund.

These priority areas were identified in two forums held by the Department of Communities.

Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson said funding since 2018 would ensure quality and safeguarding mechanisms for service providers and help the sector transition to the NDIS up until 2022.

"This latest funding boost will support robust quality and safeguarding mechanisms for our disability service providers,” Mr Dawson said.

"It will also empower people with disability to achieve employment through group-based peer support.”

Investment in transition support since 2018 totals $43.3 million according to the state government.