Health and Community Services Union

The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU), which represents disability support workers in Victoria, has slammed the decision by RMIT to abandon the Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability) course.

“RMIT is abrogating their responsibility to the disability sector and the community”, says Lloyd Williams, State Secretary of Health and Community Services Union (HACSU).

“With the advent of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, it is vital Victoria has skilled disability support workers to ensure people with disabilities have the best care available to them.

It has been widely recognised that training and development in the disability sector is a low commodity and needs improvement. The sector requires workers. The BAppSci is a specialist developmental science course which provides training for senior practice and leadership, which is critical to the delivery of quality care and the future development of services for people with a disability. RMIT has a responsibility to the community to ensure these training needs are met, particularly as this is the only bachelor level course in Victoria.  

The alternatives they suggested do not provide a substitution for the B.AppSc. A nursing or social work degree with a few token disability units is unacceptable. The entry level Certificate 3 and 4, along with the Advanced Practice Certificate 6 also do not provide the higher level training that the sector sorely needs.

We call upon RMIT to reverse their short-sighted decision and consult with all stakeholders in the disability sector to ensure the future viability of this important degree”.