What is Inclusive Employment Australia?
Inclusive Employment Australia is a new Australian Government program that replaces Disability Employment Services (DES) from November 2025.
It supports people living with disability, injury, or health conditions to prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment.
Support includes:
- Managing health-related barriers to employment
- Identifying strengths and work capabilities
- Building skills for the workplace
- Ongoing support after starting a job
Inclusive Employment Australia also works with employers to create inclusive workplaces and match them with job-ready candidates.
Call us on 1800 276 276 to learn more.
What are the benefits of Inclusive Employment Australia?
When you join Inclusive Employment Australia through a provider like APM, you gain access to:
- A dedicated employment consultant
- Career planning and goal setting
- Resume creation and interview preparation
- Skills development and job matching
- Ongoing support to help you succeed when you start work
- You can change your provider at any time
- No time limit so you can take as long as you need to get work ready and find the right job
I'm with Disability Employment Services, what do I need to do?
Keep working with your DES provider to progress towards your goals.
You will receive a letter from the Department of Social Services advising you which Inclusive Employment Australia provider you will be connected with.
If APM is listed, you don’t need to do anything.
If you’ve been given a different provider but want to stay with us, bring your letter to your local APM office between 24 Sept – 16 Oct, and we’ll help change you back.
You can also call the government’s DES Transition Line on 1800 227 337 and ask to stay with APM.
Why choose APM for Inclusive Employment Australia?
When you choose APM, our experienced employment consultants spend time with you so they can understand your needs.
That includes getting know what you can do, and what you would like to do. We want to find a sustainable and fulfilling job that works for you.
If you’re not ready to start working straight away, that’s ok. We’ll work with you to develop skills useful in the type of job you’re interested in.
It’s all about getting the right support at the right time to help you progress on your path to the right job.
With APM, you’re in control – your goals, your voice, your future.
Is Inclusive Employment Australia just for people with a disability?
No. Inclusive Employment Australia supports people with:
- Disability
- Injury
- Physical or mental health conditions
You do not need to receive government payments to participate.
Eligibility is assessed to ensure you receive the right level of support.
What is an Inclusive Employment Australia provider?
An Inclusive Employment Australia provider is an organisation approved to deliver the program.
Providers include not-for-profit and for-profit organisations with expertise in disability employment.
APM is one of Australia’s largest national providers, with over 400 locations nationwide.
We offer personalised support and have decades of experience helping people overcome barriers to employment.
How does Inclusive Employment Australia work?
You can access the program in two ways:
1. Through Centrelink – Centrelink may refer you after an Employment Services Assessment.
2. Directly with APM – If you're receiving income support or want to volunteer, you can contact us directly.
Once registered, your provider will work with you to create a tailored employment plan.
Employers also receive support to create inclusive workplaces and retain staff with disability.
Who is eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia?
You may be eligible if you:
- Have a disability, injury, or health condition affecting your ability to work
- Are aged 14 to 67 and an Australian resident
- Can work between a few hours and 30 hours per week
- Are not studying full-time (unless you're an eligible school leaver)
- Are not already working at or above your assessed work capacity
You do not need to be receiving income support to participate.
How do I find out more about Inclusive Employment Australia?
Contact APM for more information:
- Email: support@apm.net.au
- Phone: 1800 276 276
You can also visit the Department of Social Services website or JobAccess for government updates.
What support is available for school leavers?
If you're in Year 11 or 12 and living with disability, you may be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia as an Eligible School Leaver.
This support helps you transition from school to work with tailored assistance.
Call us on 1800 276 276 to discuss your options.
What if I'm not eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia?
If you're not eligible, APM offers other programs that may suit your needs:
- Workforce Australia
- Self-Employment Assistance
- NDIS Employment Supports
- Career Transition Assistance
- Employability Skills Training
- Transition to Work
- APM Apprenticeships
Call us on 1800 276 276 or email us at support@apm.net.au to learn more.
How do I get support through Inclusive Employment Australia?
You can:
1. Be referred by Centrelink after an assessment.
2. Contact APM directly if you're receiving income support or want to volunteer.
Once registered, an employment consultant will guide you through your journey to employment.
Call us or register now to get started.
What does an Inclusive Employment Australia provider do?
As an Inclusive Employment Australia provider, APM offers a wide range of services including:
- Career advice
- Accessing training to get you job-ready
- Finding job opportunities
- Resumes and job application assistance
- Help preparing for job interviews
- Accessing mental health support
- Financial assistance for transport or work uniforms
- Accessing workplace modifications and assistive technology
- Regular ongoing support in the workplace
We understand that everyone's needs are different when it comes to searching for work.
Our services are highly tailored and personal.
An APM employment consultant will work closely with you to help you achieve your employment goals.
How do I change my Inclusive Employment Australia provider?
You have the right to choose your Inclusive Employment Australia provider.
If you are currently with another provider and wish to change to APM, call our support team on 1800 276 276 and we will help you make the switch.