National Disability Services submission: next steps in supported employment

This submission will address the questions raised in the Department of Social Services discussion paper: Next Steps in Supported Employment(Opens in a new tab/window), incorporating findings and recommendations arising from the extensive consultation and collaboration with our members who provide supported employment services. 

This submission argues the future of supported employment in Australia must reflect the adoption of sound evidence-based policy that enables true choice and control for jobseekers and employees throughout their careers. It should be provided through an integrated ecosystem that recognises the employment journeys of people with high and/or complex support needs are rarely linear and may be frequently interrupted. 

The submission identifies a series of practical improvements, successful models and high-level policy reforms that would enable significantly enhanced employment outcomes for people with disability through access to a disability employment system that reflects and supports their aspirations, rights, diverse needs and choices.