The Disability Royal Commission has made several recommendations in its final report. One significant recommendation is the establishment of a national disability support worker registration scheme by July 2028. This scheme would include a definition of "disability support worker" and portable training and leave entitlements.
The report also suggests the consideration of a joint award variation application to ensure equal remuneration for disability support workers compared to other industries, particularly aged care workers who earn more for similar work.
The report acknowledges challenges in the disability support workforce, including the casualization of jobs, the influence of digital platforms, and the transition of support workers to sole traders. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining workforce stability and the safety and quality of services.
However, the report does not recommend mandatory formal qualifications for all disability support workers, recognizing the need for people with disabilities to have choices in selecting their service providers.
