How defence and the APS are opening doors for people with disability

Australia’s public sector is stepping up its commitment to inclusive employment – and Western Australia is set to benefit. 

The Department of Defence is ramping up recruitment, alongside a broader push across Commonwealth agencies to increase participation by people with disability. Central to this effort is a whole-of-government approach within the Australian Public Service (APS) that focuses on fair access, capability and removing unnecessary barriers from hiring processes. 

At the heart of this strategy is RecruitAbility – an inclusion-focused recruitment pathway led by the Australian Public Service Commission. 

RecruitAbility gives candidates the option, at the application stage, to identify if they have any disability that could impact how they undertake tasks in the workplace. 

For applicants who opt in and meet the minimum role requirements, the program provides a meaningful advantage: progression to interview wherever possible. The intent is to ensure people with disability are actively included in selection processes, rather than screened out early by rigid or traditional recruitment practices. 

Just as importantly, RecruitAbility ensures reasonable adjustments are made throughout the hiring process. This can include: 

• Receiving interview questions ahead of time 

• Adjustments to interview format or timing 

• Assistive technologies or alternative communication methods 

• Other tailored supports that help candidates perform at their best 

These changes focus on capability, not constraint – allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills in a way that works for them. 

For people with disability, it opens doors to meaningful public sector careers. 

For employers, it offers a compelling model of how thoughtful recruitment strategies can widen talent pools, strengthen teams and build workplaces that truly reflect the communities they serve. 

For more information, contact: [email protected]