Inclusive Employment Australia

Inclusive Employment Australia is the new national employment program replacing Disability Employment Services (DES). Designed to give you more choice, more control, and more personalised support, IEA marks a genuine shift in how employment assistance works for people with disability in Australia.

CoAct Connect is proud to be an Inclusive Employment Australia provider — and we’re ready to support you. Find your nearest CoAct Connect location

You may be eligible for support through Inclusive Employment Australia, if you:

• Have a disability, injury, or health condition – confirmed in a current Employment Services Assessment (ESAt).
• Can work less than 30 hours per week – now and in the future, even with support.
• Live in Australia – as a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder.
• Are the right age – at least 14 and younger than Age Pension age, and of legal working age in their state or territory.
• Are not studying full-time – unless Services Australia approved it at the time of referral.
• Have Inclusive Employment Australia recommended – in a current and valid ESAt.
• Are not already working above their employment benchmark – based on usual weekly hours.

• Our friendly local team take the time to get to know you and find out about your goals, health condition, skills and experience.
• We’ll work with you to create a job plan and connect you with the right training and holistic support services.
• We’ll guide you in your job search and help with your resume, cover letters and job interviews.
• Connect to Campus, our online customer portal with loads of job search tools and resources
• As well as building your skills and confidence, we can help you access funding to get you job-ready.
• Once you’re in work, we’ll continue to support you to thrive.

CoAct Connect is a network of local teams across Australia who take the time to understand you — your goals, your circumstances, and what meaningful work looks like for your life.

Our generalist providers:

• BUSY Ability
• Ability Options
• IMPACT Community Services
• The Bridge Inc.

Our specialist providers:

• Ability WA
• MS Plus
• MS Queensland
• MSWA
• MCM

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is a specialist disability employment program that replaced the former Disability Employment Services (DES) program on 1 November 2025. Designed to empower people with disability, injury or health conditions, IEA offers tailored, flexible support to help you prepare for, find and maintain meaningful employment — and advance your career on your own terms.

Key features of Inclusive Employment Australia:

• All participants at the centre: Plans and support are personalised to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

• Inclusive Employment Australia eligibility criteria:

  • Includes people with less than 8 hours per week of assessed work capacity.

  • Voluntary participants not receiving Centrelink income support are eligible.

  • Removes the previous two‑year time limit on service access.

• Flexible intensity of support:

  • Intensive support for those building to work.

  • Flexible support for those already ready, but who still need assistance staying employed

As Australia’s leading network of not-for-profit community service providers, CoAct Connect was awarded delivery of the Inclusive Employment Australia contract nationally, ensuring consistent, community-driven employment support across Australia with CoAct’s broad national reach. Find your nearest CoAct Connect location.

CoAct Support Coordination is a new service designed to help NDIS participants get the most out of their plans with the right supports in place.

If you’re looking for guidance navigating the NDIS, connecting with providers, or making sense of your NDIS plan, we can help. Find out how Support Coordination works by calling our team on 1800 226 228 or email [email protected].