Inquiry into Employment and Disability

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INQUIRY INTO EMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITY

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) today launched a national Inquiry into employment for people with disabilities in Australia.

Human Rights Commissioner and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski, said equal opportunity for Australians with disabilities was a fundamental human rights concern as well as being a significant economic issue.

“A range of studies indicate that Australians with disabilities are missing out on opportunities to develop and use their skills and capabilities, and to earn a decent living for themselves and their families,” said Dr Ozdowski.

“This national independent Inquiry will look at a broad range of barriers that face people with disabilities in seeking work, and issues for employers in recruiting, retaining or fully utilising employees with disabilities.”

The Commissioner welcomed the current debate on how reform of the Disability Support Pension and related programs could contribute to improved employment outcomes, but stressed that this Inquiry was not a substitute for other review processes being conducted by government.

“Evidence suggests that like most other Australians, people with disabilities want to work and earn a good living. But they face barriers – in getting employment or keeping their jobs; physical difficulties; inflexible work practices and attitudes; and economic hurdles,” said Commissioner Ozdowski.

“Employers also report that they face barriers – in getting access to information and advice on how to accommodate disability in the workplace; and in getting access to government support to make adjustments.”

Around 20% of Australians have some sort of disability.

Only 53% of people with disabilities of working age are in the workforce, compared to 80% for other Australians. They have a higher unemployment rate than other Australian workers (8.6% compared to 5%) and lower incomes.

These numbers have not improved considerably over the last decade – and in some areas have actually got worse.

The Inquiry will seek to consult and cooperate with government agencies, employers, people with disabilities, community groups, unions and employment service providers to put strategies in place to improve work opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Inquiry is now calling for public submissions. Details (including a series of Issues Papers) are available online at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights.

The Inquiry aims to publish its findings and recommendations in November 2005.

Terms of Reference

To:

(a) identify existing systemic barriers to equal employment opportunity for people with disabilities;
(b) examine data on employment outcomes for people with disabilities including workforce participation, unemployment and income levels; and
(c) examine policies, practices, services and special measures implemented to advance equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

For more information go to: http://www.humanrights.gov.au