This week we shine the spotlight on Rick Kane, Strategic Advisor at Rick Kane Consultancy. Rick began his career in Employment Services in 1995 as an Employment Consultant, steadily working his way through frontline, leadership, and executive roles. Over the next three decades, he became one of the most recognised and influential voices in the sector, ultimately serving as CEO of Disability Employment Australia (DEA), where he helped shape national policy, strengthen provid

This week we shine the spotlight on James Walters, General Manager – Strategic Growth at MTC FutureReady. With more than 15 years in Employment Services, James has progressed from Employment Consultant to executive leadership, gaining valuable insights across every level of the sector. His people-first approach and practical experience have helped create meaningful outcomes for job seekers, teams, and communities, making his perspective one well worth exploring.

Last week I submitted my response to the Australian Government's Shaping the Future of Employment Services discussion paper. I'm not going to lie, it was nerve-racking. Not because I wasn't confident in the recommendations, but because I genuinely care about this sector and the people who work in it. When you put your ideas forward on something that matters to you, there's always a degree of vulnerability. Also, I chose to submit it under my own name because I wanted

This week we shine the spotlight on Keryl Neville, CEO of LEAD. Recognised as an inductee into the DEA Hall of Fame in June 2026, Keryl has been honoured for her long‑term and outstanding contribution to the disability employment sector, an acknowledgement reserved for leaders whose dedication has helped shape the sector and elevate its impact nationally. This achievement reflects the very foundations of her career. With a career shaped by a lifelong connection to the disa

This week we shine the spotlight on Sakshi Sahni, General Manager – Business Services at SYC Limited. Sakshi’s journey into Employment Services wasn’t something she carefully planned, but it quickly became a career she grew deeply passionate about.

Never underestimate the value of communication. Being open, transparent, and consistent with your team helps build trust, keeps everyone aligned, and reduces unnecessary pressure. When people understand the bigger picture, they’re more engaged and better equipped to support shared goals

My father had a 30‑year gap in formal employment. In fact probably longer as from the age of 19 he started a photography business in Lebanon and was also a journalist, so you can say that he had never had a traditional boss, never worked in a structured Australian workplace, never navigated modern recruitment systems, and had no recent local experience.

Empower through capability: Invest in developing leaders and critical thinkers by using questions, not just giving answers.

After 20 years in Employment Services, and 13 years consulting, training and coaching across the sector, I've come to a conclusion that some may find uncomfortable: Many Reverse Marketing initiatives don't fail because of consultant capability. They fail because of leadership conditions.

Yesterday I went to Canberra to hear more about the upcoming reforms to Australia’s mainstream employment services system. My original plan was simple: Listen to Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, take notes, go back, and write an article explaining what the reforms are and what they could mean for the sector. But the article did not go to plan.

I'm an accidental leader. I never planned any of this. But I've come to believe that doing meaningful work with good people, in service of something bigger than yourself, is about as good as it gets. That's what keeps me here.

This Week's Spotlight - Souzan Asfour 1. How did you get your start in Employment Services? While working in retail, my life took a new direction when my second child, Nabil, was diagnosed with autism. My focus naturally shifted toward understanding how best to support him, especially as he grew closer to entering the workforce. With little initial knowledge of the disability, I was motivated to learn and grow alongside him. This journey led me to the employment services in

With the rollout of the new Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program which is going to replace DES on the 2st of November, we’re being asked to rethink how we approach employer engagement. It’s no longer just about filling vacancies from job boards. It’s about cr

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was around 2011, and I went out to reverse market for the day. I was stocked up with business cards,

Being an employment consultant is an incredibly fulfilling job. The opportunity to positively impact someone's life by assisting them in...

When making an employer cold call or visit, it is crucial to be prepared both mentally and in terms of practice and knowledge. For some...

When it comes to business development it's common knowledge that people prefer to do business with those who they know, like and trust.

Increase your job placement outcomes, connect job seekers with suitable employers, and help more people into work by implementing the follow

Today is International Day of People with Disabilities. So I thought to write about one of my passions, ‘Disability Employment.’

When I was working as an employment practitioner, I had several job seekers who fit into one or more of the following categories when it