Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, is encouraging Australian Disability Enterprises in Isaacs to apply for funding to undertake capital improvements.
Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, is encouraging Australian Disability Enterprises in Isaacs to apply for funding to undertake capital improvements.
"Australian Disability Enterprises play an important role in our local communities, delivering employment and training opportunities to local people with disability who otherwise may not have had that opportunity," Mr Dreyfus said.
"Recently I visited Wallara Industries, in Keysborough, where funding provided under the Australian Disability Enterprise is assisting in the employment of 97 people with an intellectual or developmental disability."
"Australian Disability Enterprises can now apply for up to $20,000 for capital improvements that enhance their business viability. I encourage all eligible organisations to apply to the Capital Fund."
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, announced the opening of the Capital Fund for Australian Disability Enterprises this week at the National Disability Services' Employment Forum in Sydney.
"Australian Disability Enterprises give people with disability the chance to participate in work, to experience the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that employment offers including meeting new friends, and to become more financially independent," Senator McLucas said.
"The Capital Fund is an incentive for these organisations to deliver further innovation in employment outcomes and encourage broader skill development and career options for people with disability."
Australian Disability Enterprises are businesses, partly funded by the Australian Government, that employ around 20,000 people with moderate to severe disability across Australia.
They provide products and services across a wide range of industries, including design, printing and packaging, manufacturing, laundry and landscaping.
The Australian Government is working with an Advisory Group of disability sector representatives and employers to develop a ten year vision for supported employment in Australia, which will be released later this year.
Applications must be submitted by 7 October 2011.
For more information on the Capital Fund for Australian Disability Enterprises, including application forms, visit the website of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, www.fahcsia.gov.au or contact the Office of Mark Dreyfus QC MP by phoning (03) 9769 1955.
