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Transforming the Disability Employment Ecosystem

This session sets out a clear view of where disability employment currently sits as Inclusive Employment Australia beds down, and what needs to change if the system is to deliver better outcomes at scale. Drawing on observations from providers, employers and government interfaces, the session explores the structural conditions that shape performance—income support settings, employer behaviour, policy coherence and workforce capability. It outlines the levers that hold the greatest potential for system level improvement and frames the reform agenda needed to move beyond incremental change.

Presenters

Peter Bacon

Peter Bacon

Chief Executive Officer, Disability Employment Australia

Peter started as Chief Executive Officer at DEA in March 2023, having spent over 15 years in the disability employment sector.

He started on the frontline as an Employment Advisor to claimants of health-related benefits in East London, before moving into a range of business development and strategy. He has always been passionate about the transformational impact that work can have on people’s lives.

As CEO of DEA, Peter has been instrumental in shaping the future direction of the disability employment in Australia, providing strong advocacy for evidence-based reforms, improved policy settings, and standardised high-quality training through the Fundamentals suite of microcredentials (in partnership with GenU Training).

He is a Consortium Partner of the Centre for Inclusive Employment and Vice President of the World Association for Supported Employment, sits on multiple Advisory Boards, and is regularly consulted on matters of disability employment by senior leaders, academics, and governments – both in Australia and overseas. Peter is also a Fellow of the Social Impact Hub.

Outside of work, he is a devoted father to his two young daughters, a keen fan of Fulham football club, and a slowly-improving pianist.