Disability Support at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

We're proud to have a Disability, Neurodiversity and Allies Network (DNA) in the department. The purpose of the DNA is simple but effective.

• We promote inclusion
• We provide a safe and supportive space
• We encourage and advocate learning across our department for people with disability, neurodivergent people and carers.

The DNA Network is volunteer-driven with over 100 members, open to all staff – allies are welcome and no disclosure is required.

Our vision is to advance the equitable inclusion of staff with disability, neurodivergent staff, and staff with caring responsibilities in all aspects of the Australian Public Service, and to ensure these staff are treated fairly, feel safe, and have equitable opportunities to make an impact with their work and lead fulfilling careers. 

Some of the exciting things we offer include:

• Support to staff on matters related to disability, neurodiversity, and carers.
• Guidance to managers who want to create a more inclusive work environment
• A safe space to meet and share with others.
• Projects to increase inclusivity and improve our work environment, underpinned by our Disability, Neurodiversity and Allies Network 2022-25 Strategy and Action Plan.
• Special events, including for but not limited to Neurodiversity Celebration Week, National Carers Week and International Day of People with Disability.

Our values

Our values outline the characteristics, behaviours and professional capabilities we seek in our workforce:

Collaborative – we work together and with others across the system, to achieve our objectives and deliver for the Australian community.

Respectful – we create diverse teams and a respectful and inclusive culture that supports high performance, innovation and the wellbeing of all people across the department.

Informed – we have the expertise, knowledge and skills that we need to succeed, and we have good communication practices.

Adaptive – we are constantly learning and adapting to improve what we do and we have corporate systems in place to support staff in a rapidly changing world.

Accountable – we are rewarded and trusted to deliver, we are held accountable for the results and delivering with integrity, and we celebrate our success.

To live the department’s Values in line with the Network’s vision and goals, we uphold the following guiding principles: 

• Be accessible and responsive to our staff and inclusive of their diversity.
• Actively facilitate and value the involvement of people with disability, neurodivergent people, and people who are carers in our organisational governance and policy and program development.
• Encourage, empower, and support the participation of people with disability, neurodivergent people, and people who are carers.
• Act with honesty and integrity.
• Be resourceful and efficient in obtaining and managing the resources needed to undertake our work.
• Recognise and value the contribution of our network members and volunteers towards creating the workplace culture we want to have.

APS Disability Employment Strategy 2020-25

The APS Disability Employment Strategy 2020-25: From Intention to Action (the Strategy), was launched on 3 December 2020; and provides a foundation for building an inclusive and diverse Australian Public Service.

The Strategy has two focus areas:

• Attract, recruit and retain more people with disability.
• Accessible and inclusive workplace cultures and environments.

With approximately 12% of the Australian population under the age of 65 identifying with disability, it is important that we represent the communities that we serve. This Strategy includes an employment target for people with disability of 7% for the whole APS. Currently, 5% of our staff identify with disability.

The department are members of the Australian Network on Disability, a national organisation that supports organisations to advance the inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of business.