BSWAT payment scheme begins today

The Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) payment scheme has opened for registrations and applications.

Through the scheme, employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) who have been paid a pro-rata wage assessed using the BSWAT can apply for a fast and efficient one-off payment.

The payment scheme provides certainty, is entirely voluntary and contains mandated safeguards.

Representative action in relation to BSWAT continues, and we respect the right of people to pursue this, but it is a process with an uncertain outcome.

Choice and control rests firmly with the worker with disability.

The payment scheme is putting another option on the table–a swift and transparent process in the form of a one-off payment from the Government.

The Government introduced legislation that ensures payments under the scheme will not affect an individual’s social security payments and will receive favourable tax treatment.

Individuals participating in the payment scheme will be required to obtain independent legal advice and financial counselling which will be paid for by the Government to help them make an informed choice.

The Government is committed to ensuring supported employees have certainty about their future employment with ADEs and the opportunity to experience the inherent dignity of work.

ADEs are incredibly important organisations in the continuum of employment options for people with disability.

Individuals or their nominees can find out more information and register by visiting www.dss.gov.au/bswat-payment-scheme or calling the BSWAT phone line on 1800 880 052.

In the coming weeks, the Government will be communicating with potentially eligible workers, their parents and carers to provide more information on the payment scheme.

These communications will be followed by a series of information sessions to be held across the country.