Hydro Tasmania has demonstrated its commitment to workplace inclusivity by launching its Disability Inclusion Action Plan and submitting it to the Australian Human Rights Commission, along with timeframes for a range of tasks that will improve the lives of people with disability.

The action plan includes goals for improving both the customer experience and employment opportunities for people with disability within Hydro Tasmania’s businesses, including Entura and Momentum Energy, and responds to the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to implement socially just policies for Tasmanians with disability, as outlined in Accessible Island: Disability Framework for Action 2018-2021.

To develop the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, Hydro Tasmania worked with Get Skilled Access, a leading disability and accessibility consultancy, founded by three-time Paralympic gold medallist and wheelchair tennis Grand Slam champion, Dylan Alcott OAM.

Get Skilled Access Inclusion Policy Associate and Paralympian, Paul Nunnari, said that when more than four million Australians with disability have better access to employment, everyone benefits.

“We are finally realising the benefits of a diverse workforce and the tremendous outcomes these perspectives can have for a workplace in the delivery of their services,” Mr Nunnari said.

“People with disability want to contribute, we just need an opportunity to do so, and a disability inclusion action plan provides a road map for organisations to provide these opportunities.”

CEO of Hydro Tasmania, Steve Davy said the business prides itself on being a progressive workplace, but there is always a need to do more.

“We’re committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve and this is an important milestone on that journey, to nurture a culture where diversity is embraced and every person feels valued and respected,” Mr Davy said.

“This is not a document that is just going to sit on a shelf and gather dust, there are clear timelines for delivery and our submitting it to the Australian Human Rights Commission means we’re voluntarily making that a matter of public record.”

The plan includes concrete actions to improve accessibility and inclusion, including consideration of the businesses’ physical environments, reviewing recruitment and career development processes, staff training, and creating more inclusive systems, such as upgrading websites for better access.


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Released for Hydro Tasmania by Trent Swindells / 0409 722 359 / media@hydro.com.au.