“The launch today of the new National Disability Strategy shines a welcome light on the disadvantages facing the over 20% of Australians who live with disability,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.
“A central component in the strategy is the launch of the Disability Employment Strategy – Employ My Ability. This strategy is the result of detailed, inclusive and extensive work undertaken by the Disability Employment Advisory Committee. Ai Group was an active member on this committee and strongly supports its direction.
“In Australia 47.8 per cent of people with a disability are employed compared with 80.3 per cent of people without a disability (ABS 2018). By any reckoning this is an unacceptable statistic and highlights the need to address the issues and close the employment gap.
“Diverse and inclusive workplaces should be the accepted norm, where everyone can thrive. The benefits of such workplaces are shared by both the individual and the employer.
“Employers have an important role to play in delivering the outcomes of this strategy.
“Ai Group also acknowledges that today, 3 December, is the international Day for People with Disability. It is entirely appropriate that we mark today with a commitment to measured and targeted improvements to those Australians that live with disability,” Mr Willox said.
Media enquiries
Tony Melville – 0419 190 347
