The PNGAus Partnership is supporting businesses across Papua New Guinea to build more inclusive workplaces and provide better employment opportunities for people living with disabilities through its EmployAbility initiative. Support under the initiative expanded this week with the launch of the new EmployAbility Toolkit and Employer Grant Scheme.
The launches in Port Moresby and Lae brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, and disability inclusion advocates to celebrate this milestone in advancing inclusive employment practices.
The EmployAbility Toolkit is a practical resource designed to help Papua New Guinean employers make simple, effective changes to improve accessibility, inclusion, and participation in the workplace. It includes easy-to-use modules and tools that guide organisations through recruitment, onboarding and workplace accessibility improvements.
Employers who commit to adopting the Toolkit will be able to apply for support through the Employer Grant Scheme. The grants will fund practical workplace adjustments and provide technical advice to help businesses employ and retain people living with disabilities.
EmployAbility is implemented in collaboration with the PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons, the Business Council of PNG (BCPNG), and the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The EmployAbility initiative demonstrates Australia’s ongoing commitment to disability inclusion and economic empowerment in Papua New Guinea.
The EmployAbility program has already supported work readiness training for jobseekers living with disabilities and provided advisory support to employers across several sectors. By encouraging inclusive employment, the initiative contributes to stronger, more diverse, and productive businesses throughout Papua New Guinea.
Samuel Rei, a participant of the EmployAbility program, shared what he’s gained from undertaking an internship.
“I’ve seen noticeable changes in how I work since completing the training. My confidence has grown, and I’ve improved in areas such as organisation, time and financial management, teamwork, communication, and other relevant skills gained through the employability training,” he said.
Carmella Gabina, Executive Director of BCPNG, said the EmployAbility Toolkit is a practical, yet very powerful. “It is easy to use, and it turns good ideas into real passion. We're excited to see more organisations within our membership use it,” she said.
John Byrne, President of LCCI, shared their commitment to the EmployAbility initiative.
“LCCI is delighted to work with the team in providing awareness of the EmployAbility program for our 'People with Different Abilities' to the broader Lae businesses and communities. We look forward to championing this program into a sustainable model which provides opportunities and respect for our most often unseen and overlooked part of our community. After a great launch, the real activity and growth begin now,” he said.
To learn more about the EmployAbility Toolkit and Employer Grant Scheme, visit www.employabilitytoolkit.org.
The EmployAbility Toolkit and Grant Scheme was launched at the Stanely Hotel, Port Moresby. Guests with Sinead Mulders-Jones from the Australian High Commission (centre) show the new Toolkit.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100