Looking for the Pre-Conference Agenda? Click here.
The 2025 DEA Conference will be focused on the implementation of the New Specialist Disability Employment Program including changes to the program, and centred on evolving disability employment policy, design, models, and practice including employment for NDIS participants.
The Conference program will include relevant debates, research, and innovative practices, with the core focus on quality services for participants and employers as well as achievement of employment goals and intersection with the Disability Employment Centre of Excellence.
The DEA 2025 Conference is the ideal gathering place for you, the people seeking to implement this generational change in policy, planning, and practice in the newly evolved landscape of the disability employment sector.
This is a significant opportunity to engage directly with what is going on in disability and employment. Following an Implementation Masterclass, we will have two days full of the latest and best analysis of the current sector developments, leading edge practice program ideas and thinking about future changes.
In addition to impressive keynote speakers and panels, our breakout sessions have garnered a reputation as some of the most valuable of the Conference. There is always a lot going on during these sessions and DEA is delighted to platform an eclectic range of experts to inform our own thinking.
To that end, we are seeking your contributions and are now calling for papers to be presented at this year’s Conference. We have listed a range of core themes and invite papers on these. Please click here for more information.
We are looking for evidence-based, best practice, results-driven presentations. This is your chance to showcase your initiatives that demonstrate improved employment outcomes for people with disability.
For more information click here.
As you know, the program drives discussions across the event. In breaks and drinks, coffee catchups and the Gala dinner, the pulse of the Conference is networking. So, take your opportunity to network with our peers. Across a lectern or a coffee, this is your chance to be involved and prepare yourself for the new era.
Monday 15 June 2026
Welcome Reception
Welcome Reception
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Conference Day 1
Registration
Welcome to Country
Welcome
Your emcees Wayne Herbert and Elly Desmarchelier
CEO’s Address
Peter Bacon
CEO, Disability Employment Australia
Labour Market Update
Callam Pickering – APAC senior economist, Indeed
Morning Tea
DSS Update
Michael Lye – Secretary, Department of Social Services
The case for reforming the Disability Support Pension
Matt Wright – Partner, Deloitte Access Economics
What’s it like to deal with the DSP?
Damien Porter – Disability Advocate, Freelance Consultant, and Co-Host of the Ability Podcast
Panel Session: The case for reforming the Disability Support Pension
John Burn – CEO, DEInvestments
Damien Porter – Disability Advocate, Freelance Consultant, and Co-Host of the Ability Podcast
Matt Wright – Partner, Deloitte Access Economics
Lunch
Breakout Session 1
Breakout Session 2
Breakout Session 3
Breakout Session 4
Breakout Session 5
Breakout Session 6
Afternoon Tea
Presentation of Blended Transitions Findings
Ann Nevile – Hon Associate Professor, ANU
Interview with 2025 DEA Hall of Fame honouree
Prof Alastair McEwan AM – Disability and human rights consultant, interviewed by Sally Karandrews – DEA IEA Policy Manager
Gala Dinner
Including Hall of Fame Ceremony and DEA Awards presentations
Wednesday 17 June 2026
Conference Day 2
Registration
Welcome & Acknowledgement of Country
Your emcees Wayne Herbert and Elly Desmarchelier
Lessons from the UK and an Introduction to the Supported Employment Quality Framework
Laura Davis – CEO, British Association of Supported Employment
Panel – how could the Supported Employment Quality Framework apply to Australia?
Peter Bacon – CEO, Disability Employment Australia
Laura Davis – CEO, British Association of Supported Employment
Dr Jenny Crosbie – Interim Director, Centre for Inclusive Employment
Dr June Alexander – Flinders University
Sessions to be confirmed
Morning Tea
Creating a ‘pull’ in disability employment: a focus on the demand side
John Burn – CEO, DEInvestments
Panel session: Future developments on the ‘demand side’
Amy Whalley – CEO, AusDN
Professor Alastair McEwin AM – Disability and human rights consultant
John Burn – CEO, DEInvestments
Lightning panel session: Providers on inclusion
Lunch
Breakout Session 1
Breakout Session 2
Breakout Session 3
Breakout Session 4
Breakout Session 5
Breakout Session 6
Afternoon Tea
Conference Summary
Wayne Herbert and Elly Desmarchelier
Conference Wrap Up
Mat McIntyre – Chair, DEA
Conference Close