With the Australian population ageing, chronic disease prevalence is on the rise. Living with chronic conditions can have a substantial impact on an individual's health, affect their quality of life and can impact their participation in the workforce.2
In 2022, the AIHW reported that chronic conditions are an ongoing cause of considerable burden and disability in Australia. It estimated that in 2020–20211;
- Almost half (47%) of Australians (11.6 million people) had at least one common chronic condition
- Around 25% (over 5 million) of Australians had at least two chronic conditions.
For many people, their condition and resulting treatment may prompt them to reconsider next steps in their career. Moreover, changes in physical or mental capability, or the length of time away from work, may make returning to a previous role more difficult.3
As someone who lives with a chronic health condition and successfully returned to the workforce, East Gippsland resident, Peter, knows firsthand how difficult it can be.
Peter, now aged 51 years old, is one of the 11.6 million Australians who live with a chronic health condition, experiencing chronic migraines lasting up to 10 days at a time.
"I've always been motivated to work and know it's an important way to contribute to the community. I tried to get a couple of jobs but was finding it difficult to find work that would take me on as a result of my condition and what I was qualified and experienced do to," said Peter.
As Peter continued to be challenged to find long term employment on his own, he was recommended to
