I want to start by thanking you for your continued professional approach in what can only be described as extraordinary times. We have also appreciated your patience, as we try to deliver up-to-date and accurate advice to members as circumstances are changing rapidly.
Things are moving quickly, so quickly that we are unable to provide answers to all of your questions at this point in time. We ask you to continue to be patient while we seek clarity on a range of issues.
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, has announced new measures to put in place support for NDIS participants, workers and providers during the outbreak of COVID-19. Financial assistance and changes to some contractual arrangements will be enacted to help providers continue delivery of essential services. The minister’s media release can be accessed here.
The AEU is continuing to advocate on behalf of members to the Victorian government – through the Minister for Disability Luke Donnellan – about the significant number of increasing challenges in the disability sector including:
day service closures
members being stood down
lack of hygiene products and practices
little-to-no enforcement of social distancing health and safety requirements.
We need you to continue to provide the AEU with information about changes to services and challenges facing disability members. Please contact us or post your concerns on the AEU Disability Facebook page.
It is still important that the broader community requirements are adhered to in relation to social distancing and hygiene. It is clear from the Premier’s statement yesterday that this is vital to our ability to try and limit the growing numbers of coronavirus infections and ensure our health system is able to cope.
If you are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 or living with someone whose circumstances makes them more vulnerable, the advice continues to be that you should approach your employer or manager and indicate that you need to self-isolate and work from home.
We are continuing to advocate in the strongest possible terms to government, peak bodies and Disability CEOs that they must provide detailed advice about salaries, job security and occupational health and safety.
We will provide further updates as information becomes available.
In solidarity, Elaine Gillespie Vice President, TAFE and Adult Provision
