As a guide to be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, you would: Have a disability, injury or mental health condition Be an Australian resident or eligible visa holder aged 14 to 65 Be at or above the minimum working age in your state or territory. Be interested in commencing a job or increasing your hours. Not be studying full time.

Gold Coast Region Gold Coast Nerang Southport Oxenford Sunshine Coast Region Sunshine Coast Caloundra Coolum Nambour Noosaville Mid North Coast (NSW) Taree Forster

Disability Employment Agency Helping You Build a Brighter Future

Q: What is the process for joining IEA?

Firstly, we will determine if TURSA can directly register you into our service and guide you through the referral process. If this is not possible, Services Australia will complete an assessment to see if you are eligible and will refer you to an IEA provider that is most accessible to you. You have the choice of what IEA provider you want to join or work with. If you would like to change or join TURSA , you can drop in, or call into any of our 18 convenient locations. (Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Taree, Forster) CLICK HERE Once you have joined TURSA ’s IEA programme, you will be paired with a Disability Employment Advocate to start your journey to employment with us.

Q: Your privacy explained

Tursa Employment & Training is committed to providing you with the highest levels of customer service in our provision of employment, training, and assessment services. This includes protecting your privacy. We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles incorporated in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 , which set out several principles concerning the protection of your personal information. Find out more by viewing our Privacy Policy here: CLICK HERE

Q: One-on-one help

At TURSA , you will have one designated Disability Employment Advocate (DEA) that will work with you from start to finish. We know it takes time to build trust and rapport, so you will work with one DEA from when you commence into IEA until you start work and continue to be supported in work by the same person while you need it. To get tailored, one-on-one support, contact your local TURSA office.

Everyone deserves the chance to work, contribute, and feel valued. TURSA is a disability employment agency that helps people with disabilities build confidence, gain new skills, and find meaningful jobs. We provide individual support through Inclusive Employment Australia, a national initiative focused on creating fair and inclusive opportunities for all Australians.

As a not-for-profit organisation with more than 30 years of experience, TURSA believes in empowering people to reach their goals. We take time to understand each person’s strengths and help them prepare for work that fits their interests, abilities, and life circumstances.

Inclusive Employment Australia: Creating Equal Opportunities

Inclusive Employment Australia brings together organisations that are committed to helping people with disabilities access meaningful work. TURSA is proud to be part of this network, helping people overcome barriers and connect with employers who value inclusion.

Our approach focuses on ability, not limitation. We work alongside participants to build confidence, provide practical training, and connect them with supportive workplaces that recognise their skills and potential.

How TURSA Supports People with Disabilities

Finding the right job starts with the right support. TURSA works one-on-one with participants to develop a plan that fits their personal and professional goals.

Our support includes:

Help with preparing resumes and practising interviews
Coaching in communication and workplace confidence
Matching skills and interests with available job opportunities
Linking participants with local employers who value diversity
Continued mentoring and support after starting work

Every person’s journey is different, and our team is here to walk beside you every step of the way.

Training and Skills Development

TURSA is a Registered Training Organisation, which means participants have access to nationally recognised training that helps build employability.

Training can include:

Computer and digital literacy
Customer service and teamwork
Time management and communication skills
Vocational courses aligned with local job markets

We create flexible learning opportunities that suit different needs and help participants gain independence and confidence.

Supporting Inclusive Workplaces

Inclusion benefits everyone. TURSA works closely with local employers to promote fair and diverse workplaces.

We help employers:

Understand the benefits of inclusive hiring
Make reasonable workplace adjustments
Access information on wage subsidies and government support
Build teams that reflect the diversity of their communities

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, we aim to remove barriers and open doors to more inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environments.

Why Choose TURSA

TURSA has been helping people find work since 1994. We’re not-for-profit, community-based, and committed to supporting people, not profits.

With staff across offices between Forster (NSW) and Noosaville (QLD), we’re always close by to offer practical help and personal support.

When you work with TURSA, you’re supported by a team that genuinely cares, a team that listens, encourages, and celebrates your success.

Ready to Begin?

Every person deserves the chance to reach their potential. If you live with a disability and want new opportunities, TURSA can help.

Our team provides practical support, training, and encouragement to build skills, grow confidence, and find work that fits your goals. We work beside you and support you at each step.

Take the next step toward meaningful work and greater independence with TURSA today.

Inclusive Employment Services FAQs

What is IEA?

Inclusive Employment Australia is a new specialist disability employment program. It assists people with disability, injury or health condition to find and maintain work and grow their career.

It will replace the Disability Employment Services (DES) program on 1 November 2025.

What is the process for joining IEA?

Firstly, we will determine if TURSA can directly register you into our service and guide you through the referral process.
If this is not possible, Services Australia will complete an assessment to see if you are eligible and will refer you to an IEA provider that is most accessible to you.
You have the choice of what IEA provider you want to join or work with. If you would like to change or join TURSA, you can drop in, or call into any of our 18 convenient locations. (Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Taree, Forster) CLICK HERE
Once you have joined TURSA’s IEA programme, you will be paired with a Disability Employment Advocate to start your journey to employment with us.

Who can join

As a guide to be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, you would:

Have a disability, injury or mental health condition
Be an Australian resident or eligible visa holder aged 14 to 65
Be at or above the minimum working age in your state or territory.
Be interested in commencing a job or increasing your hours.
Not be studying full time.

Choosing your provider

Think about what kind of support you need—whether it’s finding a job, accessing training, or receiving workplace assistance.
Look for providers who operate in your area and understand your local community and job market.
Don’t hesitate to contact providers directly. Ask about their approach to inclusive employment, how they support participants, and what outcomes they’ve achieved.
A good provider will be committed to your success—not just in finding a job, but in helping you thrive in the workplace.

If you are currently with another provider and wish to change to TURSA, call your local office or 1800 670 914 for assistance.

Your privacy explained

Tursa Employment & Training is committed to providing you with the highest levels of customer service in our provision of employment, training, and assessment services. This includes protecting your privacy. We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles incorporated in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, which set out several principles concerning the protection of your personal information. Find out more by viewing our Privacy Policy here: CLICK HERE

The TURSA Activity Fund

The TURSA Activity Fund (TAF) is funding available to participants of TURSA. In agreement with your Disability Employment Advocate (DEA), the TAF was designed to support you with funding to purchase goods and services that will help you become work ready and support you when you start employment. For more information and how it could support your journey to employment, speak with your DEA.

One-on-one help

At TURSA, you will have one designated Disability Employment Advocate (DEA) that will work with you from start to finish. We know it takes time to build trust and rapport, so you will work with one DEA from when you commence into IEA until you start work and continue to be supported in work by the same person while you need it. To get tailored, one-on-one support, contact your local TURSA office.

Health support

We know some participants require support to help manage their disability, injury or health condition. At TURSA, we work with local allied health partners who have a broad range of expertise to support you with your health. If local services are not available or suitable, TURSA also has telehealth partners that can provide health support while you continue to work with TURSA on your employment and training goals

Support after you start work

Finding a suitable job is one challenge that TURSA will support you with, however we are also there to help you maintain it. The adjustment to starting work can be challenging, and your TURSA Disability Employment Advocate (DEA) is there to help you every step of the way. This may include face to face and phone contact to provide support, work related funding using the TURSA Activity Fund, further training to support you in your role, or creating a career development plan to support your employment journey well into the future. At TURSA, we know that a job is just the beginning…

Training access

Part of getting you ready for work is ensuring you feel confident to enter the workplace. At TURSA we have a menu of training courses and workshops to support you feel confident, skilled and educated to take the next step into work. Contact your local TURSA office today to ask about the flexible training options available.

TURSA locations

Gold Coast Region
Sunshine Coast Region
Mid North Coast (NSW)
- Taree
- Forster

How to transfer

If you are currently with another provider and wish to swap to TURSA, call your local office or 1800 670 914 for assistance.

Is IEA only for people with physical disabilities?

No. TURSA also supports participants who have injuries or mental health conditions to obtain and sustain a job.

Is there a cost to me?

No. The IEA program is funded by Australia’s Federal Government and has no cost associated with participants.

I’m still at school. Do you offer support for me?

The Eligible School Leaver (ESL) program is designed to help you transition from school to work. The TURSA team will work with you to discover your career goals and ambitions and help you develop a plan to get there while completing your schooling. While the ESL program is typically for year 12 students, support can be considered for any student transitioning into the workforce, while completing their final year of schooling.

Contacting us

Call: 1800 670 914

Visit one of our 18 Locations CLICK HERE