Extension of Disability Employment Services and National Panel of Assessors programs

A caretaker period has now commenced due to the upcoming federal election.

Finalisation of the procurements for the new Inclusive Employment Australia (formerly known as the new specialist disability employment program) and National Panel of Assessors (NPA) programs is paused.

The current Disability Employment Services (DES) and the NPA programs will be extended to continue from 1 July 2025 to 31 October 2025.

This extension will give certainty to participants and providers. It also ensures people with disability continue to receive the employment support they need during this time.

The new Inclusive Employment Australia and NPA programs will now start 1 November 2025.

What this means for current DES and NPA providers

We will send current DES providers and NPA providers a Notice of Extension and a Notice of Transition which will provide more information about the operations of the program and any decisions providers need to take.

What this means for organisations who responded to the procurements

We will send all respondents a notice that the procurement processes are paused until a new Australian Government is formed. Further advice will be made available after caretaker.

What this means for DES participants

DES participants won’t need to take any action. This extension of DES ensures participants will continue accessing the same support currently being offered by providers.  

Participant payments and mutual obligations requirements will also remain the same. 

More information on Caretaker Conventions

Visit the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website for Guidance on Caretaker Conventions(Opens external website).