Inclusive Employment Australia is the Australian Government’s new employment support program, which will replace Disability Employment Services (DES). The new program officially starts on 1 November 2025, and is designed to offer more flexible and personalised support to people with disability, injury or a health condition.
Inclusive Employment Australia places the participant at the centre. Whether you're preparing to enter the workforce, are already job-ready, or need flexible, ongoing support, this program will be tailored to you. It will also be more accessible, with no two-year limit and new eligibility pathways for those with a lower work capacity or not receiving income support.
Our services are continuing. Castle will keep working with participants, families, employers, and community partners, as we always have.
There is no action required right now. If you’re currently receiving support from Castle, your services will continue as usual.
We’re awaiting more detail from the Department, and we’ll share updates with you as soon as we have them.
It’s business as usual for now. We will continue delivering the current program, Disability Employment Services, until 31 October before we switch to Inclusive Employment Australia on 1 November. Your goals remain our priority, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
To our participants, thank you for your trust and confidence in our support. Every step of your journey matters to us, and it’s an honour to walk it with you!
To our community partners, thank you for helping us build a strong and holistic support network. We’re thrilled to keep working together with our participants at the centre.
Castle has been supporting people with disability for almost 35 years, and we look forward to continuing that legacy for many years to come.
You can find out more about Inclusive Employment Australia on the Department’s website