A new workforce planning cycle
The Disability Deep Dive marks a shift in how we undertake workforce planning. We are moving to a rolling workforce planning cycle that continuously incorporates sector insights, workforce data and system level analysis. This cycle is designed to produce a deep level of analysis within each of our sectors in a report tailored to the key focus areas of each sector.
The 3-year cycle integrates:
- 6 sector deep dives, which platform workforce experience and sector insight
- annual initiative roadmaps setting out activities underway across our sectors.
The Disability Deep Dive is the first sector deep dive in the 3-year cycle and will be released mid 2026.
Disability Deep Dive
Australians depend on the disability support system and the disability support system depends on a large, skilled and resilient workforce. This workforce is under strain and demand will continue to intensify.
The Disability Deep Dive's core purpose is to share insights from the disability sector and connect those to workforce data, system design and policy choices. We will establish a shared factual base that is recognisable across the sector, credible to government and useful for decision makers.
Crucially, it will link worker experience to system design. It will also show which areas of focus are impacting labour supply outcomes on the ground and where settings are misaligned with the reality of delivering care. It will also identify practical ways to make a difference by isolating the settings that are suppressing workforce participation, retention and sustainability.
Project Timeline
Consultations will take place in the first quarter of 2026 with publication scheduled for mid 2026.