Queensland employers urged to open up to opportunity

Queensland businesses are urged to embrace diversity in the workforce by hiring candidates with disability.

Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government supports good jobs, better services and inclusive and accessible workplaces as the state marks Disability Action Week.

“The theme of this year’s Disability Action Week is, “Workforce diversity: Open up to opportunity”,’’ Minister Crawford said.

“It is a call to action for leaders in all organisations to build inclusive and diverse workplace cultures.”

Gold Coast lawyer Ashleigh DoRozario, who is legally blind, is a champion of “ability equality” in the workplace.

Mrs DoRozario lost her sight because of a rare autoimmune condition aged 25 and promotes the benefits of inclusion of people with disability in the workforce under her social media banner of “Blind Lady Justice”.

“You don’t need sight to have vision,’’ the 36-year-old, of Potts Lawyers, said.

“Often the biggest barrier to employers hiring disabled people is fear of the unknown.

“People with disability have a lot to offer, they bring resilience, empathy, and understanding of hardships into the workplace.”

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland CEO, Heidi Cooper, said Disability Action Week is an opportunity to encourage businesses to consider diversifying their workforces to support their day-to-day productivity and to thrive long-term.

“We know employers who are embracing diversity are seeing some wonderful outcomes for their business,” Ms Cooper said.

“This is an important time for Queensland businesses and unlocking the workforce of the future means also unlocking the value of workforce diversity.

“Employers wanting to make the most of the many opportunities ahead for our state need skilled staff and are encouraged to look to candidates with diverse skills, strengths and experiences.”

Paige Armstrong CEO Queenslanders with Disability Network said: “Employing people with disability brings many benefits and reflects the wider community in which a business operates.”

“People with disability like any other employee bring a diverse range of skills and abilities that enhance the workplace. All employment environments should be inclusive in 2022”.

For more information about the Disability Action Week 2022 campaign visit qld.gov.au/daw

Media contact: Peter Michael 0477 948 091