The Australian Government is making important changes to disability employment support to create a fairer and more inclusive system. Since July 2025, the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program has begun transitioning, being replaced by a new model called Inclusive Employment Australia.

This new approach is designed to give people with disability, injuries, or health conditions the support they need to find and keep meaningful work. It will also provide employers with better tools and incentives to create inclusive workplaces.

We know that change can sometimes feel uncertain. That’s why we’re here to help job seekers, participants, and employers understand what Inclusive Employment Australia means and how to prepare for the opportunities it will bring.

If you’re unsure what the changes to Inclusive Employment Australia are, or would like to chat about becoming a potential participant or employer, please feel free to contact our friendly team.

What is Inclusive Employment Australia?

Inclusive Employment Australia is the new disability employment program being introduced by the Australian Government from 1 July 2025. It has been created to replace the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program and respond to feedback from people with disability, service providers, and employers.

The goal of Inclusive Employment Australia is simple: to make employment support more flexible, inclusive, and effective. The program will put people at the centre by recognising that everyone’s journey to work is different. Some people may need more time and support to build skills, while others may be ready to step into employment with the right workplace adjustments.

For employers, Inclusive Employment Australia is also about making recruitment and retention easier. With access to wage subsidies, practical support, and advice, businesses will be better equipped to employ and retain people with disability.

Why is DES changing to IEA?

The current Disability Employment Services (DES) program has helped many people over the years, but reviews and inquiries found that it could be helping even more potential participants and employers. 

IEA hopes to strengthen the foundations of DES to:

  • Make services more flexible and inclusive.
  • Expand eligibility so more people can access support.
  • Remove time limits, allowing people to stay connected for as long as needed.
  • Strengthen partnerships with employers and provide better workplace support.
  • Focus on long-term, sustainable employment outcomes.

Inclusive Employment Australia hopes to create a more person-centred, supportive approach to creating real job opportunities. 

What will Inclusive Employment Australia look like?

Inclusive Employment Australia is designed to be more flexible, inclusive, and supportive than the current system. This new model recognises that everyone’s journey to employment is different, and it ensures that both job seekers and employers have the right tools and support at each step.

Key Differences of Inclusive Employment Australia

Expanded eligibility

More people will be able to access support, including those with a future work capacity of less than 8 hours per week and people who are not receiving income support payments.

No time limits

The 2-year cap on services will be removed, allowing participants to receive support for as long as they need it.

Tailored support

Services will reflect each person’s individual circumstances, whether that means pre-employment training, job search assistance, or support while at work.

Stronger employer engagement

Employers will be supported to create inclusive workplaces, with access to wage subsidies of up to $10,000 per person.

Ongoing workplace support

Participants and employers will continue to receive help even after someone starts work, with additional assistance for those who need long-term support.

System improvements

A major digital upgrade will modernise the program and make services easier to access and manage.

How Will Inclusive Employment Australia Benefit Jobseekers Living With Disability?

Inclusive Employment Australia has been designed to open more doors and provide stronger, ongoing support for people with disability, injuries, or health conditions. At its foundations, Inclusive Employment Australia aims to give jobseekers more choice, more opportunity, and the right level of support to succeed.

Benefits of Inclusive Employment Australia for Jobseekers

Greater access to services

More people can qualify for support, including those with lower assessed work capacity or who are not on income support payments.

Personalised support

Services are built around each person’s strengths, goals, and circumstances instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ongoing help

Participants can stay connected with their provider for as long as they need, removing the stress of time limits.

Better chances of long-term employment

With tailored assistance and ongoing workplace support, participants have a stronger pathway to stable and meaningful work.

Recognition of individual journeys

Whether someone is ready to work now or needs time to build skills and confidence, the program adapts to their needs.

How Will Inclusive Employment Australia Benefit Employers?

Inclusive Employment Australia is not just about supporting job seekers. It also gives employers the tools and confidence to build more inclusive workplaces. For businesses, this means less red tape and more practical support to welcome people with disability into their workforce.

Benefits of Inclusive Employment Australia for Employers

Simpler wage subsidies

Employers can access up to $10,000 per employee, with an easier process to encourage more businesses to take part.

Tailored assistance

Providers will work closely with employers to understand their workforce needs and match them with the right candidates.

Workplace support

Help continues after someone is hired, ensuring both the employee and employer feel supported.

Stronger partnerships

Employers can access advice, training, and resources to create a more inclusive culture and improve staff retention.

TURSA’s Role in Inclusive Employment Australia

TURSA is committed to making sure people with disability, injuries, or health conditions feel supported, respected, and empowered on their path to employment.

As the government introduces Inclusive Employment Australia, our role is to:

  • Support current participants: If you are already receiving services, you do not need to do anything. TURSA will continue working with you and ensure a smooth transition into the new program when it begins.
  • Provide person-centred services: We’ll continue to focus on every participant’s strengths, aspirations, and goals, tailoring support to unique circumstances.
  • Partner with employers: Continuing to build strong relationships with businesses to create more inclusive workplaces and connect employers with the right people.
  • Preparing for the future: Our team is actively preparing for the changes so that we are ready to deliver the highest quality services under the new program.

Change can feel overwhelming, but with TURSA, you can be confident that you will have the guidance and support you need every step of the way.

Contact Us For More Information or Support

Inclusive Employment Australia represents a fresh start for disability employment support in Australia. The focus will be on flexibility, inclusion, and long-term outcomes for both participants and employers. With expanded eligibility, ongoing services, and stronger workplace partnerships, the program is designed to create better opportunities for people with disability to find and keep meaningful work.

We’re here to help you understand these changes and get ready for what’s ahead. Whether you are a job seeker wanting to build your skills and confidence or an employer looking to grow an inclusive team, our team is ready to support you.

Contact TURSA today to learn more about Inclusive Employment Australia and how we can work together to build a more inclusive workforce.