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Interview with 2025 DEA Hall of Fame honouree

This interview explores the work and influence of Professor Alastair McEwin AO, one of Australia’s most respected disability rights leaders and the 2025 DEA Hall of Fame honouree. Drawing on his extensive experience across discrimination law, public advocacy and system reform, the discussion will reflect on how Australia’s disability employment system has evolved and where it continues to fall short.

The conversation will examine key insights from the Disability Royal Commission, including its implications for employment policy, service design and accountability. It will also explore the ongoing challenge of discrimination in labour market participation and what meaningful inclusion requires beyond compliance.

The session concludes with a forward looking discussion of Professor McEwin’s new role as Independent Chair of the Centre for Inclusive Employment Advisory Board, including the role of evidence, governance and collective leadership in shaping the next phase of inclusive employment reform.

Presenters

Alastair McEwin-uncropped

Prof Alastair McEwin AM

Disability and human rights advocate

Professor Alastair McEwin AM is an Australian disability and human rights advocate with extensive experience across the private, government, and not-for-profit sectors. Born profoundly deaf, he has held senior roles including Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner and a Royal Commissioner with the Disability Royal Commission. He has also worked as CEO of People with Disability Australia and Executive Director of Community Legal Centres NSW. In 2019, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to people with disability.

He is a Professor of Practice in Disability at UNSW Sydney and a Senior Fellow with the Grattan Institute.  Other roles include Independent Chairperson of the Advisory Committee for the Centre for Inclusive Employment, member of the Australia Post Stakeholder Council, and board member of The Achieve Foundation.

Sally Karandrews – cropped2

Sally Karandrews

IEA Policy Manager, Disability Employment Australia

Sally Karandrews (she/her) is a not-for-profit, community and disability sector leader with 2 decades experience in policy development, program design and delivery, community engagement and advocacy.

A neurodivergent and vision impaired leader herself, Sally is passionate about access and inclusion, and regularly writes or presents on the topics of disability leadership and inclusive education and employment.

Sally has recently completed an honours program at the University of New England where she researched problematisation in disability employment policy. She is currently the IEA Policy Manager at Disability Employment Australia and is looking forward to continuing her research and work in the employment sector.