Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you again, Senator Smith. To tackle the endemic issue of thin markets, we have to enable providers to operate effectively nationwide, no matter where they are delivering services. To do this, we have to build local workforces across regional and remote Australia for all types of care and support services, and this is a responsibility shared between the federal government and the state government. I'm delighted to be working with Pat Turner and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to develop a model to deliver in new and different ways a wide range of care and support services in remote communities, including for NDIS participants. Together we are developing a regional community based workforce model informed by the needs of locals to provide long-term employment opportunities and better support for people living in remote communities and also remote towns.