Backing our social enterprises
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Backing our social enterprises

Growing and creating new social enterprises and employment opportunities for people with a disability is the focus of a new $10 million fund that would be created by the Liberal Nationals.
 
The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, who is also Shadow Minister for Disability, said the region had many great local social enterprises, including Ace Total Maintenance, Banksia Fine Foods, Cells Café (Bairnsdale) and Foster Place Café (Maffra), which all employ local residents with a disability, but more could be done to support growth in this sector.
 
“The new $10 million fund will support more social enterprises to start-up and expand, helping locals with a disability to gain meaningful work and build self-confidence and self-esteem,” he said.
 
“I have seen first-hand in my own family the positive benefits of the job opportunities offered through social enterprises.
 
“If elected, we will partner with disability service providers and other suitable agencies to assist with start-up and expansion costs to create good, secure jobs for people with a disability.”
 
Half of the fund will be earmarked to empower social enterprises to develop or expand operations in the recycling industry – with a specific focus on e-waste recycling. With funding provided on a matching basis, it will enable $20 million of investment into the sector.
 
Mr Bull said high start-up costs prevented more social enterprises from entering the sector.
 
“Boosting job opportunities for people with a disability will help them to live independently and get in control of their future,” he said.
 
“These jobs boost confidence and independence, giving people with a disability control over their future.
 
“We already have some very successful enterprises operating now and an elected Liberal Nationals Government will do more to create good, secure jobs for Victorians with a disability.”
 
The policy comes on the back of the announcement an elected Liberal Nationals Government will establish a $5 million fund to support the building and expansion of disability respite services.
 
Caption: The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, pictured with Noweyung clients who were involved in the production of ‘Happy Mugs’, says an elected Liberal Nationals Government will establish a $10 million fund to help social enterprises to start up and grow.
 
Thursday, November 15, 2018