Here’s our round-up of the top six headlines in the disability sector.

Advocates warn disability workers struggle with low pay, staff turnover and casualisation

As the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out throughout Australia, disability advocates are warning that the disability sector workforce is battling tough conditions. On top of the uncertainty revolving around the NDIS, support workers are “struggling with woeful pay, high turnover, and casualisation, while dealing with added responsibilities and complexities.”
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Report reveals Australian disability scheme’s cost-cutting agenda

National Disability Services’ “State of the Disability Sector Report 2015,” has revealed the sector is uncertain about its future. Key concerns include underfunded service providers struggling to cope with low prices set by governments for their contracts, and a growing casual workforce which may have negative long-term consequences on clients. 
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New Assistant Minister for Disability Services appointed

On the heels of Alan Tudge’s promotion to Human Services, Queensland MP Jane Prentice has been tapped as Australia’s Assistant Minister for Disability Services. Christian Porter will remain as the Cabinet Minister for Social Services. Of consequence, the move “creates a ministerial position that is explicitly focussed on disability services.” 
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Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Workplace Relations Framework – final report released

The Productivity Commission’s report on the Workplace Relations Framework has been released. It highlights that much of the workplace relations systems is working well, although the Commission does make some recommendations to improve performance in employment protection, minimum wages and conditions, bargaining regimes and ease of making agreements. 
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