Tasmanian Labor is calling on the government to set a minimum target to purchase goods and services from local Australian Disability Enterprises and help in the COVID-19 recovery.
Labor Member for Clark Ella Haddad said a quota would allow ADEs to remain viable, while guaranteeing jobs for people with a disability.
"ADEs across the state provide broad opportunities to Tasmanians with a disability across a range of industries," Ms Haddad said.
"But like so many other local businesses, ADEs have suffered a downturn in recent months because of the COVID-19 restrictions. And on top of that, many were not eligible for JobKeeper and many workers with a disability have been forced to take leave.
"With businesses now working to get back on track, it is the perfect time to provide support and incentives to our local ADEs to keep them viable and get workers with a disability back into jobs.
"Labor's COVID-19 Recovery Package recommends a disability enterprise quota for government contracts to help in both the economic and social recovery and build a better and fairer Tasmania.
"A minimum ADE spending target for government departments would help the sector with the short-term challenges it is facing while supporting the long-term growth of ADEs.
"We are calling on the government to adopt this policy to give the disability sector the assistance it needs to get back to business.
"Having a clear commitment from government would not only keep ADEs in the minds of government procurement officers, but would also ensure continuity of work for businesses, meaning continuity of work for people with a disability who rely on ADEs for jobs.
"Our recovery from COVID-19 does not start and end with the economy - we need to remember that social recovery is just as important.
"A clear commitment would show the sector the government is serious about procuring from ADEs and supporting these industries and workers.
Supporting them now means a win for industry and a win for workers with a disability. I urge the government to adopt this policy and take all Tasmanians along on our recovery."
Ella Haddad MP
Labor MP for Clark
