Victorian Liberal Member (MLA) for Eildon, Cindy McLeish, has announced an elected Liberal Government will establish a $10 million fund to support disability social enterprises to start-up and expand, helping Victorians with a disability to gain meaningful work and build self-confidence and self-esteem.
“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 Government will do more to create good, secure jobs for Victorians with a disability,” McLeish said.
An elected Liberal Nationals Government will boost employment opportunities for Victorians with a disability, supporting social enterprises to start-up and expand.
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.
Grants will be provided on a matching basis, enabling $20 million of investment.
Successful social enterprises already operate in Victoria, including coffee shops, op-shops, Laundromats and nurseries, but high start-up costs are preventing more from entering the sector.
“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,” McLeish said.