Concerns for disability HQ
THERE are fears Geelong’s status as the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) headquarters is under threat as jobs and leaders move away from the Malop St office.
Little over a year after the major government agency, which oversees the National Disability Support Scheme (NDIS), officially opened its $120 million national headquarters in Geelong, staff have raised “significant concern” jobs are leaving the region.
The NDIA’s newest leadership recruit, deputy CEO of markets, government and engagement Dr Lisa Studdert, will be based in Canberra, while CEO Martin Hoffman is based out of Sydney.
Dr Studdert’s predecessor was also based in Canberra. water and art in the lives of indigenous people with Art Space president Sally Groom on July 19.
The last conversation will be on July 26, with Deans Marsh environmental artist Miranda Jarvis interviewing prominent Victorian theatre director and actor Iris WalsheHowling, now based in Lorne.
In August, the Sunday sessions will move to panel discussions.
Alongside the workshops, conversations and panel discussions, PORTAL is also collaborating with Surf Coast’s FReeZA youth development program for 12-25-year-olds to showcase young musicians via the online platform for Friday night online sessions.
For more information and upcoming sessions, and to register for the free sessions, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/PORTAL.
Concerns have been heightened by Federal Government approval for the movement of NDIA roles to another Canberra-based government department.
It is understood the future of 40 people, a mix of full-time and hire staff, is up in the air as administration for the grants component of the Information Linkages and Capacity (ILC) building program is transferred to the Department of Social Services (DSS).
A DSS spokesperson refused to say how many jobs were impacted, if NDIA staff would have the opportunity to move to the new department or where the DSS jobs would be based.
It is understood the change will ensure the ILC grant program is closely aligned with the new national disability strategy and ensure grants are closely connected to a range of other department programs.
“The NDIA will make every effort, within employment obligations, for staff to continue in ILC or other roles,” a spokeswoman said. “We have started discussions with affected NDIA staff.”
Opposition NDIS spokesman Bill Shorten said any additional movements of staff out of Geelong would “make a mockery of the Government’s posturing over supporting the regions”.
“This move to secretly shift key responsibilities out of the peak public disability agency to the department responsible for Robodebt is disturbing,” Mr Shorten said.
Geelong-based Liberal senator and former Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson has also previously called for the CEO to be based in the city.