Support workers win action on NDIS rorts and rip offs

HSU members have been at the forefront campaigning for a tougher approach to providers that take advantage of workers and participants. For years, we have been calling out the previous coalition governments’ hands-off approach to regulation which allows providers to cut corners on workers’ safety, pay and entitlements to training.

Workers have seen a race to the bottom in quality and safeguards. Those providers that comply with regulatory oversight have been undercut by dodgy providers that seek to minimise cost and maximise their profits.

In 2023, 71% of our members told us clients don’t get what they need from services and that they felt emotionally drained at work. But over half regularly worked without pay, less than half had sufficient supervision and, only a third felt supported to undertake training. As a result, 1 in 4 disability support workers are considering leaving the sector.

Only a securely employed, well-trained workforce can deliver quality disability supports. And often, those providers that default on their duties to workers are the same ones that overcharge participants or deliver substandard services. Provider registration will enable greater accountability, transparency and tracking of precious NDIS funding and service delivery practices.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO HSU NATIONAL SECRETARY, LLOYD WILLIAMS:
“We have had a situation where the regulator only hears about safeguarding issues when it receives a complaint. This puts an unfair onus on participants and precarious workers, who might not have the resources or support to speak out.”

“This is just the next step in our campaign to lift quality and safeguards. In February, we won “employee-like” reforms in February to give platform workers basic working conditions. We are also closing the loopholes in the industry award to stamp out entrenched wage theft.”

“After years of pressure, involvement in the Disability Royal Commission, NDIS Review and Registration Taskforce: this is a government that is putting the heart back into the NDIS. We look forward to working with it, and the government and the disability community to co-design a registration system.”

ON SIL REGISTRATION: “In 24/7 housing and living arrangements, like SIL, workers need the tools, training and supervision to deliver complex support in a safe manner. To ensure this – you need a proactive regulator.”

ON SUPPORT COORDINATOR REGISTRATION: “Support coordination has become an important part of the disability sector – but there’s no consistent quality standards or requirements to ensure participants get value for money. This frustrates the many navigators and support workers we represent who do the right thing”

ON PLATFORM REGISTRATION: “Online platforms that classify workers as “independent contractors” have made colossal profits by offloading insurance, health and safety and training obligations onto low-paid workers. Basic guardrails are needed to ensure workers are safe and skilled, and fair fees and transparency for participants. We also need to ensure workers are covered by professional indemnity insurance.”

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Further information on NDIS website