Media Releases

27 Sep 2011 - JobAccess Celebrates 100,000 Enquiries

THE HON KATE ELLIS MP
MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT PARTICIPATION
AND CHILD CARE

MEDIA RELEASE

27 September 2011

JobAccess celebrates 100,000 enquiries

WorkFocus Australia, the Australian Government's JobAccess service provider, today celebrated responding to 100,000 enquiries about the employment of people with disability.

JobAccess was created to provide a single point of access to information about the employment of people with disability, making it easier for employers, job seekers, their families and service providers to understand what services are available.

The Australian Government is providing an additional $1.02 million over three years to the JobAccess service, to help more employers and service providers to better understand and support people with mental illness.

Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis spoke at a gathering today to mark the significant milestone. Ms Ellis said it was wonderful to be able to personally congratulate the service and to meet with the people who have used it.

"The Government is making it a priority to deliver appropriate services and support for people with disability. It is part of our Social Inclusion Agenda to create opportunities for more people with disability to work and participate in economic life," Ms Ellis said.

"JobAccess helps employers to tap into a workforce they may not have previously considered, by connecting employers to Disability Employment Services and other supports.

"The number of people using JobAccess shows that people with disability want to work, and that employers are being helped with the costs of modifying workplaces and purchasing special equipment."

"People with disability make important contributions to our economy and to their employers."

Earlier this month Minister Ellis released a study into the attitudes of employers to hiring someone with a disability. That study showed that while employers generally agree that people with disability have a good attitude towards work, many continue to operate under the misconception that people with disability will be less productive.

"The Australian Government believes all Australians deserve to be included in the economic and social life of the community and one of the best ways of achieving this is through having a job," Ms Ellis said.

"Everyone needs time to settle into a new job and when it's a job seeker with disability, Australian Government Services like those provided through WorkFocus, can make this a smooth transition for the employee and their employer."

"Keeping people engaged in employment benefits both the employer and the employee."

"Many employers may not be aware of the ongoing support and job-in-jeopardy services available from Disability Employment Services and I encourage employers to use JobAccess to find out more about recruiting people with disability," Ms Ellis said.

JobAccess includes the Employment Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to help employers with work related Auslan interpreting, adaptive technology, workplace modifications and disability awareness training.

The Australian Government has committed over $3 billion over the next four years to assist people with an injury, disability or health condition have the best possible support and assistance to secure and maintain sustainable employment.
Information and key resources to support employers in recruiting and retaining employees with disability are also available on the JobAccess website at http://www.jobaccess.gov.au or 1800 464 800.