Inclusive employment in Australia for job seekers

Finding a job can be challenging for anyone, and for people with disability, injuries, or health conditions, looking for inclusive employment in Australia, it can feel even more daunting.

However, inclusive employment practices are paving the way for a more equitable workforce.

Below we discuss the benefits of work and secure jobs for people with disability, highlight the support available to job seekers, and look at the latest research on disability employment and the health benefits of good work.

Why inclusive employment in Australia matters

Recent research highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in disability employment in Australia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the labour force participation rate for people with disability aged 15 to 64 is 53.4%, compared to 84.1% for those without disability.

This gap underscores the need for continued efforts to improve employment outcomes for people with disability.

The Department of Social Services' Disability Employment Landscape Research Report emphasises the importance of inclusive employment practices and the economic benefits of employing people with disability.

Closing the gap in labour participation rates could result in a significant increase in Australia's GDP over the next decade.

Health benefits of good work

The health benefits of good work are well-documented.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) highlights that good work is beneficial to people's health and wellbeing, while long-term work absence, work disability, and unemployment generally have negative impacts.

Engaging in meaningful work can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

For people with disability who may often face barriers to employment due to myths, incorrect stereotypes and other social biases, it can also bring some key benefits:

1. Economic independence: Inclusive employment allows people to achieve financial independence, reducing reliance on government support and enabling them to contribute to the economy as consumers.
2. Improved mental health: Engaging in meaningful work can boost self-esteem, provide a sense of purpose, and reduce feelings of isolation. Many people who access Disability Employment Services have been found to have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety in addition to another disability.
3. Social inclusion: Workplaces that embrace inclusive employment foster a sense of belonging and community, helping people with disability build social connections.
4. Skills development: Inclusive employment offers opportunities for skill development and career advancement, empowering people to reach their full potential.

The importance of secure jobs

Secure employment is crucial for people with disability as it provides stability and long-term benefits. Secure jobs offer:

1. Consistent income: A stable job ensures a steady income, which is essential for financial planning and security.
2. Health benefits: Research shows that good work positively impacts physical and mental health, reducing the risk of long-term health issues.
3. Career growth: Secure jobs often come with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
4. Regular routines: Consistent shifts, tasks or work responsibilities, provide healthy routines which can support better mental and physical health.

What support is available?

Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, there are a range of support services available that can help you prepare for work, find work, and support you while you’re at work.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS provides funding for support and services, including those related to employment, for eligible people with a disability.

The NDIS will help to connect individuals with service providers in their surrounding area including doctors, support groups, sports groups, schooling, libraries, and more.

The NDIS provides support to people living with both physical and psychological impairments, now supporting over 500,000 Australians access to support and services that they need.

Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs)

ADEs offer supported employment opportunities to people living with a disability, injury or health condition.

Individuals can get the opportunity to gain work experience, participate in the local community, and learn new skills when they participate in ADEs.

There are many organisations that have a range of supported work opportunities for those living with a disability, injury or health condition.

Disability Support Pension (DSP)

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or health condition, you may be eligible to work and receive the DSP at the same time.

While the Disability Support Pension is usually funding that individuals receive when they are unable to work, you can work up to 29 paid hours per week while receiving the DSP.

To do this without losing the pension, you will need to meet the income test.

Disability Employment Services (DES)

Disability Employment Services can help people who are living with a disability, injury or health condition through various employment barriers and become successful in the workforce.

There are many DES providers, like APM Employment Services, that offer a range of support services like getting job-ready, going through the application and interview process, and becoming successful in the role.

From July 1, 2025, DES is planned to be replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia.

Inclusive employment is essential

Inclusive employment practices are essential for creating a fair and equitable workforce in Australia.

By understanding the benefits of work and secure jobs for people with disability, and by accessing the available support services, job seekers can overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals.

For more information about inclusive employment for job seekers, visit our Disability Employment Services website or call APM Employment Services on 1800 276 276.

What employment support can I access?

If you're living with disability, injury, or a health condition, there is support available to help you reach your goals.

If you are eligible for Disability Employment Services, APM can provide support to assist you to find work. 

Disability Employment Services is a government-funded program designed to help you find and keep work and is provided at no cost to participants.

You may be eligible for help with:

• Career advice
• Finding suitable job opportunities
• Meeting local employers
• Writing resumes and job applications
• Preparing for job interviews
• Accessing training
• Accessing mental health support
• Ongoing workplace support
• Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
• Accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed at work
• Workplace assessments to help identify what support is right for you

Resources and further reading

• Health Benefits of Good Work
• How Working Improves Your Mental Health
• Disability Employment Landscape Research Report
• People with disability in Australia, Employment - AIHW
• What is the NDIS? | NDIS
• Working while you’re getting Disability Support Pension - Services Australia

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au