New target for public sector disability employment

The state government has set a target for employing people with disabilities in the public sector, aiming to reach 5 per cent representation by the end of 2025.

Click here to read Business News’ Inclusive Workplaces special report about employing people with disabilities.

According to National Disability Services WA, public sector employment of people with disabilities is at 1.5 per cent.

The means to achieve the target are laid out in the Action Plan for People with Disability 2020-2025, which was developed by the Public Sector Commission as part of a wider workforce diversification strategy.

The announcement coincided with International Day for People with Disabilities which this year has the theme ‘promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership’.

In a statement, the state government said the plan, developed through consultation with people with a disability, will support public sector agencies with practical ways they can increase representation of people with disability in employment.

Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson said as the state’s largest employer, the WA government needed the public sector to lead by example.

“Employment is a cornerstone for independence and improved life choices that not only benefits the person with disability but provides social and economic benefits for the entire community,” Mr Dawson said.

“We need to recognise that people with disability bring valuable talent, experience and insight to the workforce.

“People with a disability are an integral part of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“The extent to which people with disability are included in social, economic and civic life will also be an important driver of Western Australia’s future prosperity.”

National Disability Services WA state manager Julie Waylen said this initiative was a step in the right direction towards creating more job opportunities for people with disabilities in WA.

“We want employers to recognise there is an immense untapped talent pool out there, that people with disability can and do work at all levels of an organisation from traineeships to senior and leadership roles,” Ms Waylen said.  

“It’s also a recognition of the barriers that people with disability face when it comes to finding and keeping a job.

“It’s great to see the Public Sector Commission leading the way on this important issue, which will hopefully mobilise employers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to recruit people with disability.”

Another initiative officially launched today was the Hospitality Disability Network of Western Australia pilot program which was established to help increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the hospitality industry.

The network, which commenced in July 2019, has assisted 49 people gain employment so far.

It includes hospitality companies VenuesLive, The Marriot Group, Intercontinental Hotels Group, AHS Hospitality, The Hospitality Group and Crown Perth and works in conjunction with Disability Employment Services and NDIS providers to assist people entering the hospitality industry.