Workers with disability nearly twice as likely to face discrimination or harassment, new DCA data shows

To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has released early findings from its 2025-2026 Inclusion@Work Index, revealing workers with disability still face disproportionately high levels of discrimination and harassment in Australian workplaces.

The new data shows:

• 47% of workers with disability reported discrimination and/or harassment at work in the last 12 months, compared with 25% of workers without disability, meaning workers with disability were almost twice as likely to face these behaviours.
• This represents a rise from the 2023–2024 Inclusion@Work Index, which found 42% of workers with disability had experienced discrimination and/or harassment.

“These findings make it clear that many workers with disability across Australia are still working in environments that undermine their safety, wellbeing, and ability to contribute fully,” Catherine said.

“It’s encouraging to see more organisations taking action, but these findings show we need deeper, sustained commitment that embeds inclusion as a core part of how organisations operate. Every employer has a responsibility to create workplaces where people with disability are treated with dignity and respect, while feeling safe.”

DCA’s Head of Research, Dr Rose D’Almada-Remedios, said that while challenges persist, there are clear steps organisations can take to improve inclusion for workers with disability.

“Our Disability Data at Work report, delivered in partnership with Australian Disability Network, explored how organisations can make a meaningful difference by using workplace disability data to guide action,” Dr D’Almada-Remedios said.

“The first step is to build disability awareness and confidence. Embedding accessibility into recruitment and work processes, co-designing policies with employees with disability, ensuring adjustments are accessible for all, and training leaders to recognise and address bias are essential actions that help every employee feel valued.”

The full 2025–2026 Inclusion@Work Index will be released in February 2026, providing the latest insights on the state of inclusion in the Australian workforce.

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