Tangible actions are needed in Australian workplaces to remove the barriers and improve employment outcomes for people with disability, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.
“Australia has one of the lowest employment rates for people with disability in the OECD, ranking at 21 out of the 29 countries. This means people with disability represent one of Australia’s greatest underrepresented talent pools.
“The Business Council seeks to lift productivity and economic inclusion for all Australians, which is why we simply must do better.
“Late last year, the BCA surveyed its members to pull together existing strategies covering recruitment, retention and advancement of people with disability.
“In partnership with the Australian Network on Disability, the BCA is today releasing the key findings from that survey: Report on improving employment outcomes for people with disability.
“Ninety-two percent of BCA members told us they want to recruit more people with a disability to their workforce.
“We know our members are committed to the employment of people with disability. However, it is clear from our survey that there is a lag in translating this into action that enables a meaningful increase in employment outcomes.
Australian Network on Disability CEO Corene Strauss said many businesses are open to making their workplaces more inclusive but simply don’t know where to start.
“Australians know the why, but they need the how. Once they can unlock some of the unintended barriers the process to build an inclusive organisation for employees and customers is a game changer. And they need not fear it,” Ms Strauss said.
Ms Westacott agrees, “in order to shift the dial in employment outcomes, we need a concerted effort to drive change from recruitment and job design and move from entry level jobs to advanced and executive roles as well as working with leadership teams.
“We know employment is key to unlocking economic security, independence and wellbeing – but it is also fundamental to our national prosperity,’’ the BCA chief executive said.
“The estimated economic benefit of employing people with disability would add over $50 billion to Australia’s GDP by 2050, if Australia moved into the top eight OECD countries for employing people with disability.
“We hope this report can serve as a starting point by laying out a set of tangible actions. This will lead to increased, sustainable and measurable improvements in employment and career advancement outcomes for people with disability.
“The Business Council and its members are driven to do better to ensure that all Australians are reaching their full potential and sharing in the opportunities and prosperity of our nation.
“Which is why we are releasing this guide today, outlining how some employers are leading the way in improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities,’’ Ms Westacott said.
