The future of more than 1,250 South Australians with disability has been safeguarded, with the State and Federal Governments stepping in to secure Bedford’s ongoing operations as the iconic organisation transitions to new ownership. Bedford, Australia’s second-largest disability employer, has entered voluntary administration with McGrathNicol to finalise a sale to The Disability Trust — a highly regarded not-for-profit provider operating across several states.
The Disability Trust has been identified as the preferred buyer and has committed to retaining all 827 supported employees and continuing services for Bedford’s 389 clients. This outcome meets a key requirement set by both governments, who have worked closely with Bedford as the organisation faced severe financial distress. The State Government will transfer a portion of Crown Land at Bedford’s Panorama site to The Disability Trust at no cost, increasing its total support to $21 million. The Federal Government will contribute an additional $13.2 million, taking its support to more than $17.6 million — a combined effort designed to stabilise the organisation and secure long-term continuity of services.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said decisive intervention was essential. “When we saw the livelihoods of 1,250 people with disability at risk, we chose to act,” he said. “The loss of those jobs, and the effect that would have on Bedford workers and their families would have been unacceptable. Now, through this carefully calibrated intervention and in partnership with the federal government, we have been able to arrive at a point where a sale is being progressed, and that the people with disability at Bedford can continue to work.”
He added that workers could take confidence in the calibre of the incoming owner. “Importantly, this isn’t any buyer, but a high-quality, long standing and respected one, who will treat these workers with the dignity they deserve. I want to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Butler, and the National Australia Bank for working collaboratively to get here.”
Human Services Minister Nat Cook said Bedford’s importance extended far beyond employment. “Bedford is more than a workplace, more than a job, Bedford is a supportive community and circle of friendship for hundreds of people with intellectual disability,” she said. “This purchase marks a turning point – where uncertainty for these community members is replaced with stability. We want every client to be reassured their support will not only continue but hopefully grow stronger. We couldn’t stand back and watch. Stepping in was the only way to ensure a better outcome for the people and their families who rely on this support.”
The Disability Trust Chief Executive Officer Karenza Louis-Smith said the acquisition was about protecting what matters most. “Today is a moment of real significance for South Australia,” she said. “The proposed acquisition protects the programs and supports that mean the most to people – the places where they work, learn, connect and belong. Our priority is, and will always remain, the people whose lives are shaped by these services.”
She said the partnership reflects what’s possible when purpose drives action. “Bedford has stood for inclusion for generations, and we are proud to help carry that forward. When community, government and purpose-driven organisations unite, we create stability, we create opportunity – and we create a future where no one is left behind.”
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