How to Prepare Your Business for Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)

Strengthen your business by accessing diverse, job-ready talent through Inclusive Employment Australia.

From November 2025, a smarter, more flexible employment model has reshaped how Australian employers engage with people with disability.

It is called Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).

In short, this free program makes it easy for employers to connect with jobseekers who have disability, injury or health conditions, with the aim of creating a more inclusive employment culture across the country.

Because inclusive employment benefits everyone.

Whether you're already hiring people with disability or considering inclusive hiring for the first time, IEA can help you embrace a better way of doing business.

This guide outlines what IEA is all about, how it can improve your organisation and the steps you can take to leverage the program.

1. Understand the IEA Disability Employment Model

IEA replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) with a more responsive, outcomes-focused approach that benefits both employers and jobseekers. Key changes include:

• Tailored support services: Participants are placed into either ‘intensive’ or ‘flexible’ services based on their readiness
• No support time limit: Ongoing workplace support is available for as long as it's needed
• Expanded eligibility: IEA opens access to a broader talent pool, including people with disability not currently receiving income support

2. Identify Roles Suited for Inclusive Hiring

IEA is not a one-size-fits-all program. The goal is to match supported jobseekers with meaningful roles that meet real business needs. Start by reviewing:

• Entry-level or high-turnover roles
• Bundled or task-based roles suited to part-time work
• Opportunities across multiple locations
  
  

3. Evaluate Onboarding and Workplace Accessibility

Under IEA, your business will receive hands-on support for recruitment, onboarding and retention, but it helps to be prepared. Consider the following:

• Are your onboarding materials accessible?
• Can job roles accommodate flexible hours or work trials?
• Do you have internal champions or mentors to support new hires?

Through IEA, you can receive a free workplace accessibility assessment and access potential funding for workplace modifications.

4. Engage Your Internal Teams Early

The success of inclusive employment relies on internal buy-in. Make sure hiring managers and frontline leaders understand:

• The benefits of inclusive hiring, from team culture to staff retention
• That post-placement support and job coaching are available
• That there’s financial support available to de-risk the process

5. Understand IEA Wage Subsidies and Incentives

Employers may be eligible for IEA wage subsidies of up to $10,000. Other supports may include:

• Trial placement funding
• On-the-job coaching
• Ongoing retention support tailored to your workplace

Inclusive Hiring Starts Now

IEA represents a smarter, more business-aligned approach to recruitment. For employers, it delivers:

• Access to a broader talent pipeline
• Tailored support for inclusive hiring
• Financial incentives to de-risk new roles

Start preparing today and position your business as a leader in inclusive employment.

Access IEA with Us

Backed by 75 years of experience, Endeavour Foundation was chosen to become an IEA specialist provider for people with intellectual disability.

As a specialist provider, we help employers across Queensland, Victoria and South Australia access reliable, job-ready talent with tailored support that makes inclusive employment practical, effective and sustainable for your business.

We work with businesses of all sizes, from local SMEs to national brands, to deliver:

• Tailored recruitment support aligned with your workplace needs
• Ongoing post-placement coaching to help new hires succeed
• Access to work-ready candidates who are supported, prepared and motivated
• Guidance on wage subsidies, onboarding and workplace adjustments

We understand IEA inside and out, and we’re ready to guide your business through every step of the transition.

Whether you're hiring for one role or planning inclusive recruitment at scale, we’ll help you build a confident, capable and inclusive workforce.

Ready to take the first step? Get in touch with us today.

Enquire Now