The McGowan Government is stepping up its commitment to employ more people with disability, setting a target of five per cent representation in the public sector by the end of 2025.
The announcement of the target, which is backed up by the People with Disability: Action Plan to Improve WA Public Sector Employment 2020-2025, coincides with the United Nations’ sanctioned International Day of People with Disability.
The action plan has been developed by the Public Sector Commission as part of a wider workforce diversification strategy, with actions for all public sector agencies. There are interim targets along the way to guide the sector.
The plan supports public sector agencies with practical ways they can increase representation of people with disability in employment.
It has been developed through consultation and collaboration with key industry and public sector stakeholders, particularly people with disability.
People with disability experience higher rates of unemployment. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare research has found the current rate of employment of people with disability is 53 per cent compared with 83 per cent for people without disability.
The action plan can be viewed at https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My Government’s number one priority is creating jobs for all Western Australians.
“Our new five per cent disability employment target will substantially improve the representation of people with disability in the public sector workforce.
“This new target by the State Government means there will be many more employment opportunities for people with disability, contributing to a more diverse workforce and ultimately delivering an improved service to the WA community.”
As stated by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The five per cent disability employment target is a great initiative that demonstrates the McGowan Government is serious about increasing the number of people with disability in the workforce.
“As the State’s largest employer, the WA Government needs the 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.
“We need to recognise that people with disability bring valuable talent, experience and insight to the workplace. People with 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 is also an important driver of Western Australia’s future prosperity.”
