Illawarra Connection Dinner

The Disability Trust were privileged to attend The Illawarra Connection Dinner on Tuesday 2 August, with a highlight of the night being Dr Ben Gauntlett’s keynote speech. Dr Gauntlett is the Disability Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission and provided insights into employing people living with disability.

Dr Gauntlett delivered three key messages:

1. Good disability policy is good for all of us.
2. Employment of people with disability is good for our workplaces.
3. We no longer need to ask, ‘Why should I employ people with disabilities?’ – We are now ready to learn how we can employ people with disabilities.

Dr Gauntlett delivered his message anecdotally through his inspirational life story, having enjoyed playing sports until a life changing event during his teen years. This inspired his path of advocacy, entering University and being the recipient of a Rhodes Scholarship. Studying Law at both Oxford and NYU, Dr Gauntlett then returned to Australia to work as a barrister. After success in chambers, Dr Gauntlett was appointed in 2019 as the Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner. Over his five-year term, Dr Gauntlett hopes to further develop the housing and employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Australia.

If you would like support from The Disability Trust on how to employ a person living with disability, contact Catherine on 4250 2127 or catherine.morgan@skills.org.au.