Would you like this page in an easier version? An employer can ask you questions about your disability when this knowledge is necessary to:
- find out if you can perform the inherent (or essential) requirements of the job
- find out what reasonable adjustments may be needed
- determine other rights and entitlements when disability is relevant, such as sick leave.
Employers are not allowed to request information from you for discriminatory purposes.
If employers ask unnecessary questions on disability this may discourage some applicants with disability from applying for a job. Questions about disability, such as 'have you ever had a mental illness?' may also exclude or disadvantage applicants with disability. As a result, these broad questions should not be asked of you by employers, as they are not about the inherent requirements of a job.
Before disclosing information on your disability to an employer, you should ensure that it is for a legitimate purpose. Questions about medication, for example, should only be asked if the requirements of the particular job (such as a specific safety issue) make this necessary.
Appropriate employer questions
These types of questions provide an indication of what an employer may ask about your disability. This is not a full list but an indication only.
- Will your disability affect your ability to work or perform certain tasks?
- Are there any adjustments to the workplace or job role that you require in order to do the job effectively?
- Are there any costs associated with providing the reasonable adjustments that you require, and if so, how can these costs be met?
- How have you overcome barriers in the past, and what sorts of strategies have you used in previous work or related situations?
- Would co-workers need to know what do in situations that may arise as a result of your disability (e.g. during seizures)?
More information?
To help you find out more on what employers can ask you, visit:
Australian Government employment service providers
If you are receiving assistance and support from an Australian Government employment service provider, you can speak to them about what an employer can ask you. For information on Australian Government employment service providers, visit: