Workpower: Disability Services Minister Don Punch visits Rockingham site after transition from Activ

It has been a fairytale ending for former Activ Foundation employees, after new provider Workpower successfully completed its takeover of seven supported employment sites in WA, ensuring job security for about 600 people with disability across the State. Disability Services Minister Don Punch toured the Rockingham site on Thursday after the recent announcement that the transfer of Activ Foundation work sites to Workpower was now complete. “I wanted to reaffirm with each of the participants I meet how pleased I am that Workpower has taken over and that it ensures job security for the future,” he said. “What really came across (in Rockingham) was the importance of this site not only as a worksite but as a place of connection.” “That’s what these worksites provide, meaningful employment, but they also provide an incredible source of connection that people feel safe in, and I think that’s precious.” Mr Punch said he hopes to tour all of the newly branded sites — he has already visited Bentley, Geraldton and now Rockingham, with Bunbury on the cards for the next fortnight. The transition to Workpower ensures job security for about 600 former Activ Foundation employees who faced losing their jobs last year after the foundation announced it intended to close all seven of its supported employment worksites in WA from mid-July 2022. After the bombshell announcement, the Federal Government committed $7.85 million to keep Activ worksites operational for a further 18 months. That 18-month lifeline was bolstered by $4m from the State Government to assist with transitioning employees to new placements with other Australian Disability Enterprises. The funding also allowed ADEs to look at their own business models and capacity to identify what was needed to possibly take on the Activ sites. “It was an extensive process working with the disability sector (and) out of that, Workpower’s proposal crystallised,” Mr Punch said. “Everybody (in the disability sector) rallied around to find a pathway forward for the people most affected.” In March, Workpower announced it would acquire the soon-to-close worksites, allowing Activ employees and their families to breathe a sigh of relief. For Martin de Hass, whose brother Gerard had worked at Activ Rockingham for more than 50 years, that relief led to hope for a better way forward. “I’m very pleased for (Gerard) and of course all the others in Rockingham that they’ve finally got some certainty,” he said shortly after the March announcement. Mr de Hass said he expected a “big improvement” with the workshops’ operations moving forward, as Workpower operates on a “different business model”. Mr Punch acknowledged the impending closure of the sites had been a huge source of anxiety for workers and their families. “All of the participants there have been through a very difficult 12 months,” he said. But the Disability Services Minister has reassurred workers and their families that Workpower has financial sustainability front of mind. “(Workpower chief executive) Lee Broomhall is looking at a variety of contracts that have been financially sustainable,” he said. “They (Workpower) have an excellent background in looking at innovative ways at looking at the sector and working with the government.” During the transition, several other ADEs hired affected Activ workers, including Good Sammy, Ability WA, Alinea, Intelife and Westcare. Workpower chief executive Lee Broomhall thanked all parties involved with the transition. “The transition process has been smooth, thanks to the co-operation and goodwill of everyone involved. We thank local, State, and Federal Governments for supporting us throughout the transition,” Ms Broomhall said. Ms Broomhall said she looked forward to bringing the organisation’s experience running “successful and sustainable social enterprises” to the new WA locations. “We call upon the WA business community to contact us to discuss opportunities to help us build sustainable employment for our employees,” she said. Mr Punch said saving the sites from closure — in partnership with Workpower, advocates and the Federal Government — was one of the moments he was proud to have a hand in. He said it’s about “getting a good outcome for people that are very vulnerable and need every opportunity to have choice and control in their lives”. With the transition now complete, people with disability living in Rockingham and across WA can continue their work in a job-secure, supported employment environment.