PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 29 JUNE 1990
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE MINISTER
FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH, MR HOWE
The Federal Government has today presented National and
State Awards recognising contributions made by employers
to employing people with disabilities.
The Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Awards were
established by the Federal Government to recognise
employers who have provided outstanding employment and
training opportunities for people with disabilities.
The National Awards were presented to Pheonix Printing,
of Windsor, Brisbane, and to the Brisbane City Council.
We commend both for their commitment to the employment of
people with disabilities in their organisations.
The winners and the service providers are to be
congratulated for providing opportunities to people with
disabilities to help them attain their goals of a real
job for real pay.
All of the nominated employers played an important role
in giving people with disabilities a fair go, and set an
excellent example for other employers to follow.
The nominated industries have taken advantage of the
Government opportunities for their enterprises by
employing people with disabilities through
Commonwealth-funded programs.
Pheonix Printing ably demonstrated the belief that
individuals have differing levels of capabilities, and
that people regarded as having a disability have the
right to work for award rates of pay in a job of their
choice. Phoenix Printing employs two people with disabilities on
award wages and provides excellent conditions of
employment. The Brisbane City Council presently employs three people
with disabilities. The Council has ensured full
integration of people with disabilities into the Council
work environment and has placed no restriction on the
type of work they perform.
Thirteen plaques were also presented to State winners.
The winners are:
Small Employer Category ( up to 100 employees)
Brogans Sheetmetal ( NSW)
S Ensign Services ( Aust) Pty Ltd ( Vic)
S Phoenix Printing ( Qld)
S Ess Good Sales ( SA)
David Gray Co Pty Ltd ( WA)
Blue Banner Pickles ( TAS)
Phillip Radiator Service ( ACT)
Large Employer Category ( over 100 employees)
Commercial Club Albury ( NSW)
Deakin University ( VIC)
S Brisbane City Council ( QLD)
S Sola Optical Australia ( SA)
S Bunnings Forest Products Pty Ltd ( WA)
The Department of Defence ( ACT)