The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a comprehensive new plan to give Victorians with a disability the opportunity to contribute to our growing economy.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley today launched Every opportunity: Victorian economic participation plan for people with disability 2018-20 to mark the start of the National Open Employment Forum 2018.
The plan includes 21 actions to improve work, study and business opportunities for Victorians with a disability, and maximise the benefits of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Employers will be empowered to support people into jobs that reflect their skills, experience and goals – using best-practice employment models.
The participation plan is backed by a $2.6 million investment from the Labor Government to address the discrimination, barriers and attitudes that prevent people with a disability from getting work.
It sets a target of six per cent employment of people with a disability across all Victorian Government departments by 2020 – with further targets to be set in the future.
Every opportunity focuses on improving education pathways, employment opportunities and support for business ownership and innovation. It’s also a key pillar of Victoria’s state disability plan.
People with a disability represent 20 per cent of Victoria’s population. The employment rate for people with a disability is 53 per cent – that’s compared to 82 per cent for people without a disability.
Past modelling has shown that closing the gap in the employment rate of people with a disability by one third would result in a $43 billion increase in Australia’s GDP over a ten-year period.
Every opportunity is another example of Victoria’s commitment to give people with a disability the opportunities in life that they deserve.
By the time the NDIS is fully operational, Victoria’s investment will be $2.5 billion a year – supporting more than 105,000 Victorians with a disability. To access the plan visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“Like anyone else, people with a disability can work, and want to work – yet many Victorians still face barriers to entering the workforce.”
“We are charting a path to change – and we all need to grab the opportunity to deliver for some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Everyone deserves to have a job. This plan builds on what we’re already doing through our $68 million Jobs Victoria program to help Victorians who face barriers to employment.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020