Public hearing 22: The experience of people with disability working in Australian Disability Enterprises

Due to ongoing impacts of COVID-19, most witnesses participated remotely and the hearing was conducted online. This hearing was not open to the public but was live streamed on our website.

This Public hearing examined the experiences of people with disability working in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) (Public hearing 22).

ADEs are described by the Australian Government as organisations that provide ‘supported employment opportunities to people with moderate to severe disability across Australia’.^[1]

The Royal Commission examined the experiences of people with disability working in ADEs, including:

• whether there is choice and control in relation to employment, including opportunities for progression, training and transition to open employment

• the payment of supported wages

• social and financial inclusion

• oversight of ADEs

• any related matters.

The Royal Commission heard evidence from witnesses including people with disability who currently work in or have worked in ADEs, family members, and representatives of an ADE, an advocacy organisation, a peak body for disability service providers and the Australian Government.

Anyone who believed they had a direct and substantial interest in the subject matter of this hearing, as outlined in Practice Guideline 6, was able to make an application for leave to appear by 5.00pm on Wednesday 6 April 2022.