Media release - Disability disclosure in employment - The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission shows how

22/06/2007

The Minister for Employment, The Hon Jacinta Allan MP, today launched new guidelines on disclosing disability in employment published by the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission.

The Disclosing Disability in Employment Guidelines provides practical advice on when and how to deal with disclosing disability in employment.

The Commission has published two guidelines; One for employers and recruiters who are interested in not only complying with Victorian anti-discrimination laws but becoming employers of choice, and another for people with disabilities and their advocates, to help them make informed and considered decisions on disclosing their disabilities.

Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dr Helen Szoke said that many people do not disclose their disability to recruiters and employers because they fear discrimination or exclusion from consideration for jobs.

“Access to employment is fundamental to a person’s dignity and wellbeing and is a right that is protected under Victoria and Federal equal opportunity laws,” said Dr Szoke.

“Disability discrimination is the most common reason for a complaint to the Commission.”

In 2005/06 there were 573 complaints of discrimination on the basis of impairment/disability lodged, 373 of which related to employment.

The Minister for Employment, Jacinta Allan, said the guidelines support the Bracks Government’s commitment to improving opportunities for people with a disability to participate fully in working life.

"Often, a lack of understanding of the capabilities of people with a disability prevents talented people from being employed or promoted," Ms Allan said.

"We want to encourage more people into the workforce to help ensure that Victoria continues to be a great place to live, work, invest and raise a family."

National figures indicate that one in five Australians have some type of disability, amounting to some 3.96 million people.

Dr Szoke said that with an ageing population, it was highly likely that many Australians in the workforce will develop a disability during their employment.

“The truth is that each of us will at one point or other be affected by disability or know someone who is, and the reality is we have a legal obligation to ensure equal rights for people with disabilities.

The State Government provided $43,000 for the development and production of the guidelines as part of A Fairer Victoria, the Government's action plan to address disadvantage.

Media enquiries to Alex Manning, (03) 92817144 or 0407 328 633