MP Pru Goward said the state government has consulted extensively with people with disabilities, their families and carers in light of union rallies across NSW on Tuesday to stop the transfer of services to the non-government sector.
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But members of the Public Service Association believe (PSA) a structural transformation in service providers to private and independent agencies could be detrimental.
NSW will become the only state which will no longer directly deliver disability services. Operators taking control can be an existing or new entrant service provider. Alternatively, a consortium can also be formed.
“As part of the Enabling Act under the NDIS the government can forcibly transfer disability staff to a new employer,” PSA organiser for the Southern Eastern Region, Tony Heathwood said.
“We know that the current wages and conditions of people in the non-government disability sector are up to 25 per cent less pay and the conditions they work in are substantially different,” he said.
“I’ve met disability support workers across the region who have real concerns.These people are highly trained and dedicated. To lose them would be devastating.”
The state government announced an additional 25,000 jobs will be needed for the disability sector when the NDIS is rolled out. About 150 client and family forums were held between December 2015 and April 2016.
Watch below
PSA strike for disability services on Tuesday in Sydney.
