Western Australia’s Water Corporation has become the first Australian water services provider to get accreditation as a disability-friendly employer, joining 11 other government departments and agencies.

Water Corporation has been accredited as a disability confident recruiter by the Australian Network on Disability following improvements to its recruitment processes, which make it easier for people with disability to join its workforce.

The accreditation recognises Water Corp’s work to identify and remove recruitment barriers for people with disability, Water Minister Simone McGurk says.

This has involved improving language in job advertisements, providing more accessible locations for job interviews, and helping applicants access a support person or interpreter.

 Under its Disability Access Inclusion Plan, Water Corporation also works with disability employment providers to promote job opportunities, particularly through career entry and graduate programs.

“By removing some of these barriers, Water Corporation is helping provide people with disability equal opportunity to find and enjoy a fulfilling career,” Ms McGurk said.

 “It’s fantastic to see government enterprises leading from the front in taking meaningful action to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Disability services minister Don Punch said as WA’s largest employer, it was important for the state government to lead by example.

“Making it easier for Western Australians with a disability to obtain meaningful employment doesn’t just support the individuals, it also benefits their families and the wider community, while helping create diverse and inclusive workplaces,” he said.

Twenty-seven private and public sector organisations across Australia are currently accredited as Disability Confident Recruiters, including:

• Australia Post
• City of Sydney Council
• NDIA
• NSW DCJ
• NSW Department of Customer Service
• NSW DPIE
• NSW Public Service Commission
• NSW Treasury
• Victoria Police
• WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
• WA Department of Communities