From 1 November 2025, the Federal Government will launch a new employment assistance program called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), replacing the current Disability Employment Services (DES).
In the New England region, including Glen Innes, the new program will be delivered by BEST Employment, VERTO Ltd, and APM Employment Services. APM already provides DES in Glen Innes and will continue under IEA.
APM CEO Michael Anghie said, “Our deep understanding of the Glen Innes labour market — and our long-standing links with local businesses and community groups — means we’re well placed to match job seekers with the right opportunities.”
AimBig, OCTEC, and Joblink Plus will stop providing DES after 31 October 2025. This change applies only to DES and not to other services they may offer. Unfortunately, it may also mean some local staff who support people with disabilities could face job losses or need to relocate.
IEA will operate differently from DES. Support will be more tailored to participants’ skills, work-readiness, and goals, rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Services are to be delivered locally in order to meet the needs of both the community and job seekers.
Anna Watt, CEO of BEST Employment, said, “This new program will provide better, more flexible support for people with a disability, injury, or health condition in the Glen Innes community.”
One major change is expanded eligibility. Anyone with an assessed work capacity of up to 30 hours a week can join. The minimum of 8 hours a week has been removed. Receiving Centrelink income support is also not required in order to be eligible.
The Federal Government is investing an extra $227.6 million into disability employment assistance, which is expected to help about 15,000 more people each year.
VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said, “Securing the Inclusive Employment Australia program is an exciting step forward. We see tremendous potential to transform lives by working closely with more communities, employers, and job seekers.”
The new program will offer wage subsidies of up to $10,000 to encourage employers to create long-term jobs and is designed to give businesses access to a wider pool of well-supported candidates and help make workplaces more inclusive.
Ms Watt added, “It will also give employers in our area the support they need to build confidence in hiring people with a disability.”
People already using DES will continue with their current provider until invited by the Department to choose a new IEA provider. More details are available at Inclusive Employment Australia
