NDIS boosts Toowoomba job opportunities

Up to 1100 jobs could be created in the Toowoomba region as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out locally from this month.

Hosting a NDIS Roundtable in Toowoomba today, Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke met with 20 representatives from the community, business and disability sector to discuss the economic and employment opportunities the scheme would bring.

“Once fully rolled out in mid-2019, the scheme will support more than 7000 people with disability in Toowoomba and west to the borders, spending an estimated $290 million every year,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This massive growth in demand for services will provide plenty of opportunities for those who are looking for work or for a career change.

“We will be looking for a range of roles such as support workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, case managers, customer service and community engagement workers.

“There will also be great entrepreneurial opportunities for people to start up new businesses or branch out existing businesses to meet the growing demands.

“So far, across the state, we have seen ballet schools for children with disability and respite camping adventures starting up, just to name a few. There really are endless opportunities.

“We are encouraging people with disability, service providers and employment and training organisations to take advantage of these opportunities and to share their knowledge and experience, and that’s what this roundtable is all about.”

Mrs O’Rourke also encouraged representatives to have their say on Queensland’s new disability plan, which will help shape future policy and initiatives across Government, the private sector and the community.

“We want our new disability plan to be an 'all abilities' strategy that accurately reflects the valuable contribution Queenslanders with disability make to our communities, our economy and our state,” she said.

“The ‘Towards an all abilities Queensland’ consultation paper, which is open until 10 February, will help direct future policies across five key areas of personal and community relationships, recreation and tourism, working and learning, key services, and leadership and contribution.

“By connecting with people from all corners of the state, we aim to find a shared vision on how we can make Queensland more inclusive and accessible.”

The NDIS started rolling out in Balonne, Bulloo, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs from 1 January this year.

When fully implemented in 2019, the NDIS will inject approximately $4 billion of Commonwealth and State funds into the Queensland economy each year.

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

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                   3719 7170