2006 Prime Ministers Employer of the Year Awards
The Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Awards recognise excellence in the employment of people with disability. They acknowledge the contribution made by small, medium and large employers in providing employment opportunities for people with disability, as well as the role of Providers of Australian Government Employment Services in helping people with disability gain employment in the open labour market.
Close to 500 people celebrated the 2006 Prime Minister’s Employer of the year Awards ceremony in the Great Hall, Parliament house on 6 December 2006.
In his message, the then Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard, congratulated the winners and finalists, and encouraged employers to give people with disability a fair go.
The Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP, former Minister for Workforce Participation delivered the keynote address, emphasising the attributes, skills and experience people with disability bring to the workplace.
Australian comedian, former political journalist and author Wendy Harmer proved an entertaining MC, engaging the large audience and ensuring the night’s proceedings flowed smoothly.
The message of how people with disability have contributed to organisational performance was a common theme in speeches delivered by the night’s Winners, and also by guest speaker Bruce Parker, CEO of HM GEM Engines and member of the 2006 EYA judging panel. Bruce spoke of his organisation’s experience in employing people with disability, acknowledging the outstanding levels of commitment and loyalty employees with disability have brought to his company over the last 30 years.
Awards were presented across five categories including National, Large, Medium and Small Employer of the Year, and the Employment Services Award. An award was also presented to the pre-eminent Employer of the Year and to this year’s entrant into the Hall of Fame.
A full list of finalists can be found here.
Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Awards 2006 Booklet (PDF 644KB)
Winners of the 2006 Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Awards
National Employer of the Year - Vision Australia (VIC)
Vision Australia (VIC)
Large Employer of the Year Joint Winners - Hunter New England Health Services (NSW) and Elynwood (VIC)
Hunter New England Health Services (NSW) and
Elynwood (VIC)
Medium Employer of the Year - Benbro Electronics (NSW)
Benbro Electronics (NSW)
Small Employer of the Year - Perth Regional Roof Trusses (WA)
Perth Regional Roof Trusses (WA)
Employment Service - Choice employment (TAS)
Choice employment (TAS)
Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year for 2006 - Benbro Electronics (NSW)
Benbro Electronics (NSW)
Hall of Fame - Benbro Electronics (NSW)
The event was organised by the then Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Corporate supporters of the event included:
- IBM
- Telstra
- Business SA
- Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce
- Disability Works Australia
- National Employment Services Association
- ACE
- The Australian Employers Network
- Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
- Building and Construction Industry Training Fund
- COTA