Welcome to the Disability Employment Portal
The Tasmanian Government proudly supports and promotes a workforce that includes people with disability. The Disability Employment Portal is a central hub designed to assist individuals with disability in finding meaningful and sustainable employment within the Tasmanian State Service (TSS) and other government agencies.
This portal is also a valuable resource for employers, recruiters, and managers within government departments who are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. Whether you’re a job seeker or an agency looking to foster inclusion, the portal offers a wide range of information, tools, and resources to guide you every step of the way.
For Job Seekers with Disability: Opportunities Start Here
Finding the Right Job with the Right Support
Are you a person with disability looking for a job in Tasmania’s public sector? The Disability Employment Portal is here to support you on your employment journey. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a break, or exploring a career change, we can help you prepare, apply, and succeed.
You’ll find practical advice and guidance on:
- How to become job-ready
- Resume and cover letter writing
- How to navigate the application process
- What to expect during interviews
- Understanding your workplace rights and supports
We also offer details on how Disability Employment Services (DES) providers can work with you, offering tailored support and helping you access job opportunities that match your skills, interests, and career goals.
Understanding Disability: A Broad and Inclusive Definition
In Australia, and particularly in Tasmania, disability is broadly defined. It includes any long-term physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological, or learning condition, as well as medical conditions and chronic illnesses that impact a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.
Disability may:
- Be visible or hidden
- Be permanent or temporary
- Affect people differently, even if they have the same diagnosis
- Arise at birth or later in life due to injury, illness, or ageing
Environmental and societal factors also play a big role in how disability is experienced. For example:
- Physical access to buildings
- Availability of support services
- Community attitudes
- Accessibility of public information
Understanding this broad definition helps create more inclusive and supportive workplaces, where all employees are respected and valued.
Why Disability Inclusion Matters in the Workforce
Disability inclusion in the workplace is not just about compliance—it’s about building a better, more innovative, and fairer Tasmania. Here are a few key reasons why inclusion matters:
1. A Diverse Workforce is a Strong Workforce
People with disability bring unique talents, perspectives, and experiences that contribute to creative problem-solving and innovation. Their inclusion strengthens teams and enhances workplace culture.
2. Everyone Has the Right to Meaningful Work
Work provides financial security, social interaction, and a sense of purpose. It’s a basic human right. Ensuring equal access to employment is part of building a more just and equitable society.
3. Inclusion Drives Progress
Employers who actively include people with disability often report higher staff morale, lower turnover, and greater customer satisfaction. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.
Steps to Getting Job-Ready
Before applying for a job in the Tasmanian State Service, it’s helpful to take a few steps to prepare:
1. Identify Your Strengths
Think about your:
- Skills
- Interests
- Experience
- Goals
What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? These insights will guide your job search.
2. Access Support Services
You may be eligible for assistance through:
- Disability Employment Service (DES) providers
- NDIS employment supports
- Local community organisations
These services can help you:
- Prepare a professional resume
- Build interview skills
- Connect with employers
- Access training or upskilling opportunities
3. Create a Strong Application
Your resume and cover letter are your first impression. Make them count by:
- Tailoring them to the specific job
- Highlighting your achievements
- Using clear, easy-to-read formatting
We offer templates and writing tips on the Portal to help you get started.
Tips for a Successful Job Application
Applying for a government job can be competitive, but with the right preparation, you can stand out. Here’s how:
Understand the Job Description
Read the position statement carefully. Make sure you understand:
- The required skills and experience
- Key responsibilities
- Selection criteria
Address the Selection Criteria
This is your chance to show how you meet the job’s requirements. Use specific examples from your experience, education, or volunteer work.
Be Honest and Confident
Be open about your skills and what you can bring to the team. Don’t be afraid to talk about adjustments you may need—it shows self-awareness and confidence.
What Are Workplace Adjustments?
Workplace adjustments (also called “reasonable adjustments”) are changes made to a job or work environment to allow a person with disability to perform their role effectively. These can include:
- Flexible work hours or remote work
- Modified equipment or software
- Accessible meeting rooms
- Providing information in accessible formats
- Allocating tasks differently among team members
The goal is to remove barriers and ensure fair participation.
The Tasmanian Government supports workplace adjustments and encourages open conversations between employees and managers to find suitable solutions.
Working in the Tasmanian State Service (TSS)
The Tasmanian State Service is committed to being an inclusive, respectful, and accessible employer. We recognise the value of diversity and are actively working to create more opportunities for people with disability.
Benefits of Working in the TSS
- A strong culture of equity and inclusion
- Fair recruitment processes
- Workplace support and mentorship
- Access to professional development
- Career progression pathways
Many departments also have Disability Liaison Officers and diversity champions who can support you during recruitment and employment.
How Disability Employment Services (DES) Providers Can Help
DES providers are government-funded organisations that support people with disability, injury, or health conditions to find and keep jobs. They can help you:
- Prepare your job application
- Build interview confidence
- Liaise with employers on your behalf
- Support you once you’re employed
You don’t have to do this alone—DES providers are here to guide you every step of the way.
To find a provider near you, visit the Australian Government’s JobAccess website or speak to your local Centrelink office.
Information for Government Agencies and Employers
Creating an inclusive workplace is a shared responsibility. Government agencies and hiring managers play a crucial role in making employment more accessible.
The Disability Employment Portal offers resources for:
- Understanding inclusive recruitment practices
- Conducting barrier-free interviews
- Making reasonable adjustments
- Providing ongoing support and training
There are also toolkits and videos to help raise awareness and promote positive workplace culture.
Retention Matters
Hiring is just the first step—retaining talented staff with disability requires ongoing engagement and support. Agencies are encouraged to:
- Foster open communication
- Celebrate diversity
- Address discrimination or bias early
- Provide career development opportunities
Fast Facts About Disability in Australia
- 1 in 5 Australians—or around 4.4 million people—live with disability.
- 90% of disabilities are invisible, meaning they can’t be seen just by looking at someone.
- Many people will experience disability, even temporarily, at some point in life.
- Disability inclusion benefits everyone, not just those with disability.
- People with disability can work in all types of roles, from administration and IT to leadership and policy-making.
Commitment to an Inclusive Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government is deeply committed to creating a society that is inclusive of all people. We believe that:
- Everyone deserves the chance to thrive
- Barriers to employment should be removed
- Disability inclusion is essential for equality
Through the Disability Employment Portal, we aim to build a better future—where people with disability are not just included but are celebrated as skilled, valuable members of the workforce.
Downloadable Resources
To help you get started, we provide:
- A quick-start flyer summarizing the Portal
- Resume and cover letter templates
- Interview preparation checklists
- Employer toolkits
- Guides on workplace adjustments
These are available for free download from the Portal and can be printed or shared digitally.
Key Takeaways
| What You Need to Know |
|---|
| Disability affects 1 in 5 Australians |
| Many disabilities are not visible |
| Everyone has the right to meaningful employment |
| The TSS offers inclusive and accessible job opportunities |
| DES providers are available to support job seekers |
| Workplace adjustments make a big difference |
| Government agencies are encouraged to build inclusive teams |
| The Tasmanian Government is committed to equality for all |
Conclusion: Let’s Build an Inclusive Future Together
The Disability Employment Portal is more than a job board—it’s a gateway to empowerment, opportunity, and equality. Whether you’re a person with disability seeking meaningful work or a government agency looking to diversify your workforce, this platform is your go-to resource.
The Tasmanian Government believes that a truly inclusive society benefits everyone. By supporting people with disability in employment, we not only enrich our workplaces but also strengthen our communities.
Let’s work together to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute, grow, and succeed.