Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, has encouraged local businesses to consider how employing a person with a disability could work for their business.
Mr Coulton spoke in Parliament about the barriers that can prevent people with a disability from entering the workforce.
“It is important to bust the myths that exist about employing people with a disability,” said Mr Coulton.
“The productivity levels of employees with a disability are on average equal or higher to that of other workers, workers compensation claims are no higher for people with a disability, and evidence shows these workers have lower rates of absenteeism.”
“One in six Australians of working age has a disability, but often the disability can be minor and the employer may not even know.”
“There are employment services available to help businesses and individuals with disability employment, integrating education and training, non-vocational assistance, rehabilitation services, work experience, job search and job placement,” Mr Coulton said.
Mr Coulton commended Dubbo organisation Break Thru People Solutions for highlighting disability employment and encouraging local businesses to consider how employing a person with a disability may work for their business.