‘Fresh start’: Bedford sale a done deal
The sale of a South Australian charity that almost collapsed last year has been finalised after millions of taxpayer funds were pumped into the flailing disability employment services organisation.
Not-for-profit disability services provider The Disability Trust has formally taken over the operations of South Australian company Bedford Group, saying it has secured 1250 jobs for supported workers and clients with disabilities.
In a joint statement, the state and federal governments said the announcement meant a “fresh start” for staff.
Almost $40 million was provided to support the sale through an administration process, which ensured the 80-year-old company did not collapse into liquidation.
Former Bedford CEO Myron Mann resigned over the company’s collapse, caused by mounting losses – $20 million since 2021.
The Disability Trust is a registered NDIS services provider and serves clients in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland.
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Today, the governments said administrator McGrathNicol is undertaking a separate sale process to see the continued operation of Bedford’s Mount Gambier site, with the process expected to be finalised within months.
A further 300 non-supported jobs were also retained through the sale, the governments said.
During the administration process, Bedford Group’s advanced furniture manufacturing business Dovetail closed with 10 staff members losing their jobs, after administrators McGrathNicol said it had undertaken a “detailed assessment of operations”.
InDaily also reported that workers at the company were given their marching orders on the same day the Federal Health Minister heralded news of a buyer being found as “wonderful”.
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South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said today was a “significant day for more than a thousand South Australians with disability, and their families”.
“They can continue to have the dignity of work, knowing their role at Bedford is secure,” he said.
“Their families can know their loved one is safe, occupied and gainfully employed.
“Bedford is about more than a job. It’s about community. It’s about connection.”
South Australian Human Services Minister Nat Cook said the change of ownership “represents a real milestone”.
“Our aim all along was to make sure the people with intellectual disability felt confident that their support would not only continue but strengthen into the future,” she said.
“Bedford has always been more than a workplace for the people it serves, and we are confident this sense of community and purpose will be supported under the new leadership.”
