$1.5 Million to assist job-seekers with disabilities

More than $1.5 million will be spent across the three eastern states to encourage private organisations to provide more employment opportunities for people with disabilities, Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony announced today.

“This funding will make available more than 700 new job placements across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales over the next two years,” Mr Anthony said.

“Under the Disability Recruitment Coordinator Program funding is provided to services that assist both employers and disability employment services.”

The funding will be shared between Diversity@Work in Victoria, Partnership with Industry in Queensland and Employers Making a Difference in New South Wales.

Mr Anthony said the funding would promote the positive benefits of employing people with disabilities to the business community.

“Research shows that people with disabilities are dedicated, productive workers who have a positive influence on workplace morale,” said Mr Anthony.

“This funding will make it easier for large organisations to recruit people with disabilities, who represent 14 per cent of the available labour market.”

Mr Anthony said the Federal Government supported and encouraged employing people with disabilities through specialist agencies.

“These agencies help workers start the job and support their continued employment,” Mr Anthony said.

“This funding is evidence of the Government’s continuing commitment to help people with disabilities get a job.”