Plain English Letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jbu8YqSX_W9YSZEXobTYfXAwxpU3T9mVRIz5pIC31LU/edit

(Scroll down to sign the letter.)

We oppose the practice of paying disabled workers subminimum wage. It is unacceptable that in 2025 disabled people living in Australia can be paid as little as $2.90 per hour, while the minimum wage for others is $23.23 per hour.

These practices don’t help disabled people find work. We know from the Disability Royal Commission that Australia has one of the lowest disability employment rates in the OECD. As disabled people and allies, we support transition to fairer, equitable work through more modern and just practices to support disabled people in the workplace, such as supported employment and customised employment.

We acknowledge the international workers’ movement — led by disabled people — to end these archaic practices, which originated in the 1930s, and seek equitable pay. This movement has seen sweeping legislative success across the past decade.

Disabled people demand equal pay for our work. It is time for Australia to abolish subminimum wages.

Companies/organisations, elected officials, or candidates who would like to sign, please email s.bickley@student.uq.edu.au

References:
Minimum wage: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/fact-sheets/minimum-workplace-entitlements/minimum-wages
Disability employment rate: https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/news-and-media/media-releases/sobering-employment-rate-people-disability-be-examined

Sincerely,

National & Interstate Organisations (42):
Our Fair Go
Animal Justice Party
The Antipoverty Centre
Australian Catholic University National Student Association (ACUNSA)
Australian Progressives
Australian Support Resources
Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union
Australia’s Voice
Blak Sovereign Movement
Care @ Home Mobile Physio
Disability Justice Network
Disability Providers
Disabled Surfers Association of Australia
Diversity Models
Doctor with Disabilities Australia
Evergreen Support Services
Family Member Care
The Fusion Party
The Green Institute
Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia
Insight