The Rewards Of Employing People With A Disability June 22, 2012 - Statement by Peter Anderson, Chief Executive

(MEDIA RELEASE ACCI)

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Australia's largest and most representative business organisation, today issued a 'call to arms' for Australian employers to expand workforce participation by reframing attitudes to employing people with disabilities. 

At the Melbourne Town Hall, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten and ACCI Chief Executive Peter Anderson launched Employ Outside the Box: The Business Case for Employing People with Disability, an employer guide developed by ACCI promoting workforce diversification.  



ACCI, our member organisations and National Disability Services are highlighting the benefits that people with disability can bring to individual businesses, and in the process, dispelling myths using business case-studies.  



"With ageing demographics, sluggish productivity and forecast skill shortages, industry must think laterally and long term when it comes to recruitment.

Lifting labour force capacity has economic and social spinoffs. For the business community, this is not about charity, it is business common sense," Peter Anderson said.

"Employees with disability are loyal and committed people, especially if the focus is on ability rather than disability. There is also government support for workplace modifications, free and confidential advice on hiring practices, financial incentives, and training to help raise skill levels."



'With many industries and regions experiencing significant skill and labour shortages, especially in regional areas, business must fully utilise available labour supply to meet our economic needs," Mr Anderson said.



The Employ Outside the Box project encourages employers to develop innovative strategies to attract and retain valued employees to bolster Australia's participation rate.

ACCI publications are available to employers across the nation through ACCI's network of Chambers of Commerce and National Industry Associations.

ACCI and our members are also rolling out this initiative in regions and industry sectors.

Mr Anderson’s speech is available at www.acci.asn.au.

For More Information: 


Chief Executive: Peter Anderson 0417 264 862 

Director, Employment, Education and Training: Jenny Lambert 0418 277 919
MR 251/12

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Click here to view the Publication:
First Edition: Employ Outside the Box – The Business Case for Employing People with Disability, ACCI – June 2012.
Design & Publication by Monica Shanahan (Mosmondor). 

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Click here to view the Case Study Fact Sheets - The Business case for Employing People with  Disability - Design and Production by Monica Mosmondor, Designer MDIA.

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Click here to view Peter Anderson, Chief Executive ACCI Speech: The Rewards of Employing People with Disability, 22 June 2012 - Design and Production by Monica Mosmondor, Designer MDIA.