The funding of personal protective equipment by NDIA for workers and participants will continue in Victoria until at least the end of November.

NDIA temporary measures extended nationally until February 2021 include:

• use of funds to purchase low-cost Assistive Technology, including smart devices
• greater plan flexibility to ensure access to supports
• deep cleaning of residences when a support worker returns a positive COVID-19 test
• additional support for participants who test positive for COVID-19 or who live in a Supported Independent Living setting and are required to isolate
• continuation of a clinical first response through Aspen Medical for any identified outbreak in Victoria.

The NDIA has also engaged an organisation, the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA) to provide a workforce concierge service for NDIS providers concerned about workforce supply. This is available until 9 December 2020 and includes out-of-business hours support for crisis response. To use the service providers can contact the RCSA Workforce Response team, ph.1800 943 115 or NDISworkforce@rcsa.com.au. Further information is on the NDIS website.

The Fair Work Commission has extended unpaid pandemic and annual leave at half pay in various awards, including the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award and the Supported Employment Services Award. Such leave now needs to start by 29 March 2021 rather than by 29 October 2020. Under these arrangements, employees are given 2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave and the ability to take twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay if their employer agrees. For further information see unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes to awards.