Disability Segregated Employment as Modern Slavery
Two individuals looking at each other.

Overview 

Led  Dr Linda Steele and funded by Anti-Slavery Australia, this research advocates for the transition away from Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs), which primarily employ individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities in segregated, low-wage settings. ADEs, though legal, pay as little as 12.5% of the national minimum wage and are sustained by various authorities, including disability services and industrial relations law. Through legal analysis, human rights perspectives, and collaboration with advocacy groups, this research examines the potential of modern slavery laws to address the segregation, discrimination, and exploitation faced by ADE employees. 

How we support positive change 

The project challenges narratives portraying ADEs as benevolent, pushing for legal reform to phase out ADEs in favour of dignified, inclusive employment options. This work highlights modern slavery law’s relevance to disability employment and contributes to law and policy reform aimed at advancing equality, dignity, and self-determination for people with disabilities. 

Find out more 

For more details, access the article here: Law and Disability 'Supported' Employment in Australia: The Case for Ending Segregation, Discrimination, Exploitation and Violence Against People with Disability at Work.

See also: 

Presentation: Linda Steele at the Expert Group Meeting for Promoting Inclusive Employment for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (2021).

ABC Radio Interview: Push for an End to Australian Disability Enterprises.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.