Soft affirmative action lacking traction? An early qualitative exploration of the RecruitAbility Scheme performance within the Australian Public Service

Abstract

Politicians are challenged to increase economic opportunities for citizens with disabilities. Today, the employment of persons with disabilities within the Australian Government is being supported through a RecruitAbility Scheme. With full implementation of the Scheme underway, it is a timely research exercise to critically explore early progress. Enabling such exploration, this study has applied qualitative content analysis to 12 publicly available texts that collectively assess early (i.e. pilot and first year full implementation) program performance. Findings of this critical analysis should be of particular interest to policymakers, practitioners, and persons with disabilities. The findings reveal that despite policy rhetoric, the Scheme is making only modest achievements. This exploratory study supports a biopsychosocial model inspired approach, which aims to improve the recruitment, retainment, and career development of individuals with disabilities across the Australian Public Service.