Senate debates

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Questions on Notice

Climate Change and Energy Efficiency: Staffing (Question No. 628)

Photo of Rachel SiewertRachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, upon notice, on 27 April 2011:

With reference to the department and the agencies within the Minister's portfolio:

(1) What is the total number of staff currently employed.

(2) What is the total number of staff with a disability currently employed.

(3) What policies or programs are in place to encourage the recruitment of people with a disability.

(4) What retention strategies are in place for people with a disability.

(5) What career pathways or plans are on offer for people with a disability; if none, why.

(6) Are there any specific targets for recruitment and retention; if not, why not.

(7) What policies, programs or services are there to support staff with a disability.

(8) Can details be provided of any policies, programs, services or plans currently under development within the department and its agencies, concerning the employment of people with a disability.

Photo of Penny WongPenny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | | Hansard source

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The total number of staff employed in the Department as at 27 April 2011 is 989 (includes 64 non-payroll employees).

(2) The total number of staff who have disclosed that they have a disability is nine.

(3) No specific recruitment programs are in place at this time. These are being considered in the draft disability strategy to be considered by the Executive Board shortly.

(4) No specific retention programs are in place at this time. These are being considered in the draft disability strategy to be considered by the Executive Board shortly.

(5) None at this time. These are being considered in the draft disability strategy.

(6) No. These will be considered in the draft disability strategy.

(7) The Department has prepared a draft disability strategy which is currently under consideration by its People Committee. Once approved by the People Committee it will be passed to the Department's Executive for approval and will be implemented.

(8) The draft disability strategy will contain arrangements for the recruitment, retention and career pathways of people with a disability.