Inclusive Employment Australia Mutual Obligations: what they mean for you

With all the recent updates to disability employment support, it’s natural to have questions about what’s changing and how it affects you.

It’s completely normal to wonder what these updates mean for you - especially if you’re living with a disability, injury, or a health condition while also juggling your health, daily routines, and looking for work.

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is the new program replacing Disability Employment Services (DES). It complements the previous program’s support framework and offers a more modern, accessible approach to supporting you on your path to work. 

With these changes, many people want to understand how mutual obligations work. Here, we’ll explain what they are and what they mean in this new program. 

What is Inclusive Employment Australia?

Inclusive Employment Australia is the new name for Disability Employment Services (DES). 

It’s a government-funded program that gives personalised support to people with disability, injury, or a health condition so they can prepare for work, find a job that suits their needs, and build a successful future in employment.

At the heart of the program is the belief that people thrive when they have the right support. 

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, you get access to personalised one-to-one guidance, practical tools, and tailored activities that build confidence and support your employment journey. 

APM delivers these services locally Australia-wide, with friendly consultants who get to know you, listen to your needs, and work with you to create a plan that suits your strengths and goals.

Understanding mutual obligations

Mutual obligations can sound complicated, but they’re simply the actions you agree to take when you receive government-funded support, such as Inclusive Employment Australia.

You can think of disability employment services mutual obligations as a two-way agreement:

You commit to taking small, achievable steps towards work.

The government and your provider commit to giving you the support, tools, and guidance you need.

For Inclusive Employment Australia, mutual obligations may include:

• Engaging with your employment consultant
• Attending scheduled appointments or activities
• Taking part in training, work preparation, or skill-building programs
• Searching for jobs or completing approved volunteering
• Updating your provider about your job search or activities

While the list may look structured, mutual obligations are always shaped around your situation. 

If you’re managing a long-term disability, injury, health condition, fluctuating symptoms, or times when you feel overwhelmed, your plan can be adjusted to stay safe, realistic, and manageable.

APM’s role is to help you meet these requirements in ways that feel achievable, not stressful.

Why mutual obligations exist

Mutual obligations are designed to keep your employment pathway active. They help ensure you have ongoing support and don’t feel left alone in the process. 

Many job seekers, including those with lifelong disability, injury, or a health condition, say mutual obligations help them:

• Build routine and structure
• Stay connected to someone who understands their situation
• Break their job journey into manageable steps
• Keep moving forward even during tough periods
• Feel a sense of achievement and momentum

In a nutshell, they help create a plan you can follow at your own pace. 

For people who feel overwhelmed, this structure can be reassuring, especially when your employment consultant is someone who listens, understands your needs, and doesn’t add unnecessary pressure.

How APM supports you through your mutual obligations

When you join Inclusive Employment Australia through APM, you won’t be expected to figure things out on your own. 

We work with thousands of people every year, many of whom live with disability, injury, or a health condition and face complex barriers to work. 

Our approach is practical, personal, and tailored to the level of support you need.

Here’s how we help:

A personalised plan designed around you

We spend time getting to know you: Your health needs, your interests, your barriers, your goals, and the type of support you want. Together, we create a plan that fits your abilities and comfort level.

This might include small steps at first, like attending appointments or taking part in low-stress activities, before moving into volunteering, training, or job applications.

One-to-one support with someone who listens

Many job seekers say they want an employment consultant who genuinely understands them. Our approach is built on empathy, trust, and listening.

Your consultant is there to guide, encourage, and work alongside you. You never have to navigate your employment journey and disability employment services mutual obligations alone.

Help with appointments and activities

We remind you about appointments, help you prepare, and make adjustments if you’re unwell, experiencing a flare-up, or dealing with other challenges.

Building your skills and confidence

You can access programs that strengthen your confidence, routine, and work readiness. These may include short courses, workshops, volunteering, or opportunities to build practical skills.

If training feels overwhelming, we start small. If you’re ready for more, we help you take the next step.

Support with resumes, interviews, and job applications

When you’re ready to explore work, we help you write your resume, prepare for interviews, apply for roles, and connect with inclusive employers who understand your disability, injury, or a health condition. 

Adjusting your plan when life changes

If your health changes or your circumstances shift, your obligations can be reviewed and updated.

What mutual obligations look like for you 

If you’re living with a disability, injury, or a health condition, mutual obligations may look different for you compared to someone living without those conditions. 

Your consultant works closely with you to ensure your plan is realistic, accessible, and safe.

This may include:

• Fewer required activities if you’re managing symptoms or low energy.
• Flexible appointment options, including phone or online bookings.
• Adjusted job expectations that match your comfort level and health.
• Activities focused on wellbeing as a foundation for employment.
• Reduced job search targets depending on your circumstances.

Mutual obligations should never feel impossible. They should feel like achievable steps you can complete with support and understanding.

Taking your next step with APM Employment Services

If you want to understand what Inclusive Employment Australia means for you, or you’re feeling unsure about your obligations, we’re here to help. 

APM can walk you through the process, explain what’s required, and tailor a plan that feels right.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. You have support, guidance, and someone in your corner.

Talk to our team today to learn how APM can support your journey to meaningful work.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Inclusive Employment Australia in Australia.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au