Why IEA is Different from DES

Inclusive Employment Australia: What Is It and How Is It Different from DES?

From 1 November 2025, a major change is coming to the way employment support is delivered for people with disability in Australia. Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) will officially replace the long-running Disability Employment Services (DES) program.

So, what exactly is IEA—and how does it differ from DES?

What is Inclusive Employment Australia?

IEA is a new national employment support program designed to make work more accessible and inclusive for people with disability, including for autistic people. It’s built on principles of choice, control, and long-term support, putting autistic people and people with disability at the centre of their employment journey.

IEA is about sustainable outcomes—helping people not just find a job but thrive in it.

How is IEA different from DES?

  1. More people are eligible
  • Under DES, eligibility was limited.
  • With IEA, more people can take part—including those with very low assessed work capacity (0–7 hours per week) and those not receiving a Centrelink payment.
  1. No time limit on support
  • DES capped participation at two years.
  • IEA removes this cap, meaning participants can stay connected for as long as they need support.
  1. Strengths-based, person-centred approach
  • DES often felt one-size-fits-all.
  • IEA tailors support around your strengths, goals, and circumstances, recognising that every person’s employment journey is different.
  1. Flexible support options
  • Need intensive support at the start, then lighter support later? IEA adjusts to your situation with flexible, scalable assistance.
  1. Support for employers too
  • DES primarily focused on jobseekers.
  • IEA also works with employers to make workplaces more inclusive—offering help with adjustments, recruitment processes, and in some cases, wage subsidies.
  1. Focus on long-term success
  • DES prioritised job placement.
  • IEA prioritises lasting employment, supporting both individuals and employers to build workplaces where people with disability can grow and succeed.

Why this matters

For many jobseekers, DES felt like just another system—with barriers that left people without the support they needed. IEA is designed to change that, giving people real choice and control, while also helping employers become more inclusive.

It’s not just a new program—it’s a new way of thinking about disability and work.

ProActiv People: Leading Autism-Specific Employment in SA

In South Australia, ProActiv People is proud to lead IEA’s autism-specific employment program, working in partnership with Autism SA. Together, we are building a service designed with community voices at the centre and focused on real inclusion and independence for autistic people.

Are You Autistic and Looking for Work?

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is open to people with all disabilities. Here in Adelaide, ProActiv People proudly delivers the autism-specific stream.

This means our program is specifically for autistic jobseekers. If that’s you, we’d love to hear from you.

You can get started right now:

🔗 Register through ProActiv People’s Referral Form
📞 Call ProActiv People: (08) 8362 4507
🌐 Visit: www.proactivpeople.com.au