NDIS to bring jobs to the North

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) roll out is set to bring hundreds of jobs to Townsville and North Queensland in the disability sector, as well as flow on opportunities in the wider business community.

Disability Services Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the NDIS would create around 13,000 disability sector jobs across the state, and North Queenslanders would be well positioned to take full advantage.

“Job opportunities stemming from the NDIS will come sooner rather than later for people in Townsville, with the early launch of the scheme, for participants under the age of 18, already underway,” Mrs O’Rourke said

“Once fully operational, the scheme will support more than 4,800 people with disability in Townsville and extending in other areas of North Queensland – creating a powerful new consumer group and a red-hot-marketplace for service providers in our city and beyond.

“This unprecedented growth and, consequently, major employment boost will provide great opportunities for those who are looking for work or for a career change.”

Minister O’Rourke said preparation was the key to taking advantage of the opportunities offered under the landmark reform, and the sector-led Queensland NDIS Workforce Strategy would help job seekers to expand their skills.

“The workforce strategy will focus on strengthening the current workforce as well as growing it to meet future demands,” she said.

“Through the strategy, people in Townsville will have the opportunity to access training and support that will help build their skills and knowledge around the NDIS and the disability sector.

“We will be looking for support workers, allied health professionals, administration personnel, marketing and business experts - the possibilities are endless.”

Managing ­director of Outcome Results Mr Rabieh Krayem said the NDIS was an exciting initiative for Townsville and North Queensland that would bring unprecedented employment opportunities for local residents.

“We know some workers have been hit hard by redundancies, but the NDIS is bringing new opportunities to our region, and I encourage anyone interested in working in the disability and related sectors to get on board,” he said.

“Job agencies also need to start preparing now for that increased demand, and training organisations need to get on board to skill people up in the sector.”

Minister O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to invest in a workforce that would provide solutions to meet the diverse needs of people with disability.

For further information on the NDIS visit www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA Hotline on 1800 800 110

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  0408 317 992