Disability and our workforce

In Queensland, nearly 18% of the community identify as living with disability, but less than 3% of the Queensland public service (as at December 2017) have shared that they are currently living with disability. Also, 60% of workplace discrimination complaints are disability related.

We need to challenge the status quo and build a workforce where employees can safely bring their true selves to work.

1. The Queensland public sector

• Disabling the barriers to employment in the Queensland public sector implementation plan 2021 (PDF, 396 KB)
• Inclusion and Diversity Strategy 2021–2025 (PDF, 1.92 MB)
• Disability Discrimination Act

2. The case for change

• The case for change
• Watch the Australian Public Service Commission’s videos:
  • The business case for employing people with disability
  • Building disability confidence
• Read about how local governments can increase the social and economic participation of people with disability.
• Complete the agency checklist. (PDF, 128 KB)   (DOCX, 234 KB)

3. Benchmark your agency

• Assess your agency’s strengths and maturity with the access and inclusion index.
• Read the following case studies:
  • Realising inclusion through adjustments at the Federal Department of Human Services
  • Innovation leads to accessible foods
  • Australian Tax Office innovates through workplace adjustments

4. Engage in partnerships

• All Abilities Queensland
• Diversity Council Australia 
• Choice Passion Life
• Job Access
• Vision Australia
• LifeTec

5. Get financial support

• Australian Government support: A range of assistance for employers of people with disability.
• Funding for workplace modifications
• Subsidised wages for people with disability
• Support and wage subsidies to take on apprentices with disability
• The Supported Wage System: allowing for employees whose productivity is affected by disability.
• Allowances for essential work travel costs: for employees with a disability who cannot access public transport unaided.
• Work-based personal assistance: for people who need regular help due to their disability or medical condition.

6. Communication toolkit

Agencies can use the communication toolkit to help raise awareness of the different faces of disability and assist employees to make our workplaces inclusive, diverse and accessible.