South Australia’s Disability Employer Saved — CEO Departs Amid Crisis
After 80 years of service to people with disabilities, the Bedford Group faced collapse. A financial rescue has now been secured—but not without a major leadership shake-up.
By InDaily
Crisis and Collapse
Facing nearly $20 million in losses between 2022 and 2024, Bedford entered voluntary administration, placing more than 1,400 jobs at risk across South Australia. The losses followed a failed “Future Bedford” strategy, which sought to diversify income through social enterprises that failed to generate returns in time.
Government Bailout Secures Operations
The South Australian government has stepped in with a $15 million bailout, acquiring Bedford’s 3.9-hectare Balyana residential site in Clapham as collateral. The funding deal includes placing management consultants McGrathNicol in charge of restructuring the organisation to avoid liquidation and protect services for people with disabilities.
CEO Resigns Amid Accountability Demands
As part of the recovery process, CEO Myron Mann has resigned. His departure was described by government leaders as critical to restoring trust and ensuring sound governance during the turnaround.
The Human Impact
For employees and supported workers with disabilities, the collapse sent shockwaves. One employee, Casey—who lives with Down syndrome—described the fear and devastation of being told she might lose both her job and the community she relies on. Her story highlights just how essential Bedford is, not just as an employer, but as a lifeline for inclusion and independence.
What Comes Next?
- Can Bedford regain stability and deliver on its mandate to support Australians with disabilities?
- Will the government ensure services and supported employment are protected?
- How will leadership changes influence transparency and accountability moving forward?
This crisis exposes the fragility of disability service providers and the urgent need for systems that prioritise both financial sustainability and human dignity. The future of Bedford will depend on more than rescue funding—it will require trust, community focus, and sustained oversight.
