From November this year, inclusive employment is entering a new era. The rollout of Inclusive Employment Australia represents a fundamental shift in how we support people with disability to find and keep meaningful work. At VERTO, we are proud to be delivering this program across New South Wales, as well as expanding into new regions of southern Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
This expansion is more than just an operational milestone. It is about unlocking opportunities, transforming lives and supporting stronger communities. Inclusive Employment Australia reflects the federal government’s commitment to replacing the former Disability Employment Services (DES) program with a new model that prioritises sustainable outcomes. For VERTO, this is an opportunity to bring our expertise, wraparound services and strong employer relationships to even more people who can benefit from them.
A STRONGER APPROACH TO INCLUSION
Inclusive Employment Australia has been carefully designed to put people at the centre. Where DES often emphasised placements and associated short-term benchmarks, the new program is about ensuring individuals with a disability are supported to secure lasting, meaningful work.
The impacts of long-term unemployment are far-reaching. Sustainable employment is life-changing as a job provides much more than income. It can help someone maintain stable accommodation, improve their mental health and enable them to participate fully in society. By providing tailored support and focusing on long-term matches between jobseekers and employers, this program addresses those challenges head-on.
At VERTO, we work closely with both sides of the employment equation. For jobseekers, we take the time to understand their skills, ambitions and the unique challenges they face. For employers, we provide practical support to meet workforce needs and overcome misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities. This dual focus ensures employment outcomes that are mutually beneficial and built to last.
VERTO’S WRAPAROUND SUPPORT MODEL
While employment is a critical pathway to transformation, we know it doesn’t exist in isolation. That’s why VERTO has built a wraparound model that ensures individuals have access to a full spectrum of support.
For those who need to reskill or upskill, our training arm provides pathways into new industries and careers. For individuals facing financial pressures, our counselling services can ease that burden and put them back on track. For those dealing with tenancy challenges, our advice services are available to provide guidance and advocacy.
This integrated approach ensures clients are never navigating challenges alone. By addressing barriers outside the workplace as well as within it, we empower people to build careers that last. The result is not just job placement but genuine transformation — a person moving from unemployment to active economic contributor and community member.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AND OPENING OPPORTUNITIES
One of the biggest barriers for people with disability remains employer perception. Too often, businesses assume that hiring someone with a disability means costly modifications, complicated processes or significant disruption. That is not the reality.
Many disabilities are invisible and the adjustments required are often small, such as a different chair, a standing desk, software that converts text to voice or minor changes to rostering. Inclusive Employment Australia provides funding to cover these adjustments and VERTO works closely with employers to access it. This ensures a smooth transition for all parties.
Importantly, the evidence shows that hiring people with disability benefits businesses. Employees are often more engaged, more loyal and take fewer sick days. Across industries — from major supermarkets to small family businesses — we’ve seen how inclusion strengthens workplace culture and boosts productivity.
The November rollout also means more communities will benefit. By expanding into southern Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, alongside our strong presence in New South Wales, VERTO is reaching more people. Regional communities, in particular, face unique challenges, with fewer employers and persistent misconceptions about disability. By delivering this program in those areas, we can provide the education and support that makes inclusive employment not just possible, but attractive for local businesses.
BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
Delivering Inclusive Employment Australia is not just about placing individuals into roles. It is about building genuine partnerships with employers, communities and people with lived experience. At VERTO, we have developed advisory groups that include employers and people with disability, ensuring the services we deliver are guided by real-world insight.
Our team includes specialists who work directly with employers to understand their workforce needs and provide solutions, alongside experts dedicated to client engagement and support. By bringing these perspectives together, we ensure program delivery reflects the needs of all stakeholders.
The key is collaboration. When employers, jobseekers and service providers work together, that’s when we see the best outcomes. We see businesses gain motivated employees, jobseekers gain independence and confidence, and communities grow stronger through greater participation and inclusion.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Inclusive Employment Australia marks the beginning of a new chapter. It’s not just a new program; it’s a new way of thinking about inclusion and opportunity. For VERTO, it embodies our mission to transform lives by putting people at the centre and supporting them with the tools they need to succeed.
The opportunity is here for jobseekers to take that first step towards meaningful work and for employers to discover the benefits of building inclusive workplaces.
If you’re looking for work and want support to build a lasting career, or if you’re an employer seeking to grow your team with talented and committed staff, we invite you to connect with VERTO today.
