News shorts: more action on NDIS fraud, and social impact highlighted
22 February 2023 at 2:31 pm
All the news you need to know from around the sector.
Strong start for social enterprises in PBO trial
There are signs of success in the first federal government Payment by Outcomes (PBO) trial for social enterprises.
Since the trial commenced in July 2022, 70 people living with a disability, who had previously been out of work for at least nine months during the past year, are now employed and earning a full award wage at one of 15 participating social enterprises. Employment retention is at 93 per cent. Eighty per cent of participants are aged under 30.
The trial includes wrap-around support tailored to the goals and needs of employees including things like flexible work environments and training and mentoring.
Angharad Lubbock, head of programs and PBO trial lead for White Box Enterprises, said the trial “is proving that jobs-focused social enterprises create tremendously positive work experiences and are part of the solution to helping close this gap.”
The trial will be evaluated by the Centre for Social Impact. Read more here.
Fraud taskforce uncovers more NDIS wrongdoing
The Fraud Fusion Taskforce tackling fraud in the NDIS has claimed another two scalps.
Compliance action has been taken against two Sydney-based NDIS providers: Fine Care Pty Ltd and AlliedHealth Cleaning Services Pty Ltd.
The companies were issued with suspension notices, prohibiting them from providing NDIS services as registered NDIS providers for a set period of time.
Information about compliance actions taken to date can be found online.
Impact report reveals success
First Nations Foundation (FNF), Australia’s only national Indigenous financial literacy organisation, has revealed the positive impact of its activities.
In its annual impact report the foundation noted its financial literacy and education training had had “astoundingly positive effects on First Nations communities”.
Throughout 2022, FNF measured its impact across a number of programs and initiatives including My Money Dream, Tomorrow Money, Indigenous Women’s Financial Wellness, Indigenous Super Website and its On Country Mentors training program. The programs together trained hundreds of people throughout the year.
Partnership to support First Nations education
RACV and not for profit Yalari are entering a three-year partnership to support education opportunities for Indigenous children in regional and remote communities.
The partnership will help Yalari to deliver programs, workshops, awards, professional development and driving lessons and tests for year 12 students. RACV employees will also be able to take part in the partnership through volunteer opportunities.
Yalari managing director Llew Mullins said the partnership was unlike anything they’ve had before, and thanked RACV for its “understanding, respect and action”.
“The partnership between RACV and Yalari is so exciting and the generosity of in-kind and financial support is overwhelming,” said Llew.
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