are-able Responds to Inclusive Employment Australia Tender Outcome

are-able acknowledges the outcome of the Department of Social Services’ Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) tender, announced earlier this month. The result marks a significant shift in the national delivery of disability employment services and opens new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Under the new IEA model, are-able has secured contracts to continue delivering high-quality employment support in several key service areas. From 1 November 2025, are-able will deliver services in:

• Mid Murray – Swan Hill, Kerang and Robinvale
• Hampden – Colac, Warrnambool, Camperdown, Terang and Apollo Bay
• Grampians – Horsham, Stawell, Warracknabeal and St Arnaud
• Western District – Hamilton, Portland, Casterton and Heywood

These results reflect our strong performance and ongoing commitment to inclusive employment. We are proud of the positive impact we have made across all the communities we have served and remain deeply grateful for the partnerships, achievements and outcomes we have shared over the past 35 years with participants, employers and local networks.

“We are incredibly proud of the work our teams have delivered across all regions,” said Jason Ernst, Interim CEO of are-able. “Our staff have consistently gone above and beyond to support people into meaningful employment, and our commitment to them, and to our participants, remains unwavering.”

People currently receiving Disability Employment Services from are-able, which transitions to the Inclusive Employment Australia programme from 1 November 2025, will continue to be supported by are-able until 31 October 2025 in all current regions. We remain focused on providing this support with respect, stability and compassion, and intend to maintain a presence in these communities beyond this date to continue assisting those who need it most.

In a further positive development, are-able is delighted to announce that IDEAL Placements, now a proud member of the are-able Group, has been awarded an IEA contract to deliver services in the Capricornia region, including Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emerald, Mt Morgan and Moranbah. This expansion into regional Queensland represents a significant opportunity to extend our impact and bring inclusive employment support to more people across the state.

Importantly, IDEAL Placements will continue delivering the Transition to Work (TTW) programme in Mackay, ensuring its valued presence and 30-year legacy in the region continues.

During this period of change, our priorities remain clear:

• Supporting our current Disability Employment Services participants through to 31 October 2025
• Supporting our people with care, clarity and compassion
• Maintaining the trust we have built with employers, partners and communities

This outcome brings a renewed focus and opportunity. are-able remains firmly committed to its broader purpose, empowering people through inclusive employment, impactful social enterprises and wellbeing initiatives. With new programmes like Parent Pathways gaining momentum and our growing presence in Queensland, we are looking ahead with confidence and purpose.