- $1.7 million in funding awarded to disability peak body CheckUP
- The grant aims to improve the capacity and capability of small disability providers in Queensland, with a focus on those in regional and remote areas
A peak body in Queensland has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to support small businesses and sole traders working in the disability services sector, particularly in regional and remote areas.
The funding will enable CheckUP, a not-for-profit organisation, to build the capacity of the sector to deliver high quality services to Queenslanders with disability.
The work aims to ensure that Queenslanders with disability can access the services they need, regardless of where they live.
The organisation will also advocate on behalf of small providers.
The Disability Peak and Representative Bodies–Sector Capacity and Capability grant will provide funding of $100,000 in 2023–24, and $400,000 in ongoing annual funding in 2024–28.
The investment supports the Queensland Government’s priorities under Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031, aiming to improve the lives of Australians with disability.
It will also assist in making Queensland’s over $2 billion annual investment in the National Disability Insurance Scheme more cost-effective by strengthening and improving the capacity and capability of the disability sector.
The announcement comes in the lead up to this week’s Disability Reform Ministerial Council meeting, which is the regular meeting of Commonwealth, state and territory disability ministers.
As stated by the Minister for Disability Services Charis Mullen:
“Every Queenslander deserves the same opportunities and access to the care they need, and that’s why this funding is so important.
“We know there are gaps in services, particularly in rural and remote areas, and this needs to be fixed.
“CheckUP already has strong existing networks across the state in the health area, including in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“It means they are well positioned to help address issues in a range of locations.
“I look forward to seeing them advocate for and work with small businesses in the disability services sector so they can deliver the best possible services.”
As stated by the Minister for Employment and Small Business Lance McCallum:
“This is about doing what matters for Queensland – creating good jobs and employing the best people to deliver the best services for Queenslanders with a disability – no matter where they live in our great State.
“The Miles Labor Government is proud to back CheckUP who have a strong history of supporting the workforce in our health and disability sectors.
“As an Industry Workforce Advisor and an Industry Skills Advisor, CheckUP is actively helping businesses to find solutions to the employment challenges they face, and informing training priorities, to best meet sector needs.
“And through our successful Gateway to Industry Schools program, the not-for-profit is encouraging young Queenslanders to pursue inspiring careers in health – with 85 Health Gateway schools across Queensland this year.”
