More people will find meaningful work with Inclusive Employment Australia

People with disability will be able to access improved support to find and keep a job. Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek announced a new specialist disability program – Inclusive Employment Australia.

Hi. From the 1st of November, we're improving disability employment services so that we can better support you to find and keep a job that you love.

Under the new changes, you can now choose or change your provider at any time. There will be more specialist providers for you to choose from. Providers who are experienced in working with people with different disabilities and different backgrounds. There will be no more time limits, so you can keep working with your provider as long as you need.

Providers will also have to take on your feedback and show you that they're responding to your needs. And about 15,000 more people will be able to access services, and you can be on the program even if you can only work a few hours a week. Importantly, there will be no changes to your work or your payments.

The new program's called Inclusive Employment Australia and that's what we're working towards. An outcome where everyone can use their skills to contribute and be part of a team. Because a job is more than just a pay cheque. It helps build confidence and purpose and connects us with our community.

Inclusive Employment Australia is designed so that more people can experience these benefits.

I wish you all the very best as you work with your provider to continue building your career.

To find out more, visit the Inclusive Employment Australia page on the Department of Social Services website.

The new program focuses on matching jobs to a person’s unique skills and work goals. With broader eligibility, we expect 15,000 more people with disability to take part.

All Disability Employment Services participants will now be supported by the new program.

The new program provides:

more people with disability the opportunity to work
better support to find and keep a job
no more time limits – people can stay with their provider for as long as they need
responsive providers, who consider people’s needs, goals and work capacity.

You can be on the program even if you only work a few hours a week.

There are 81 providers delivering the services. They have expertise supporting people with different disabilities and diverse backgrounds.

The new Centre for Inclusive Employment develops best-practice, evidence-based information to improve disability employment outcomes. The Centre’s online hub is now available. The Centre for Inclusive Employment will progressively offer resources, tools, and training. The resources will help providers deliver quality employment services for people with disability and employers.

The National Panel of Assessors support people with disability in the workplace. This network of providers will support the new program and help ensure workplaces are accessible.

These initiatives are part of the Australian Government's $5.5 billion commitment over 5 years to help people with disability find and keep jobs.