At the 2025 DEA Conference, we took time at the Gala Dinner event to induct a new member to the DEA Hall of Fame, recognising the outstanding contribution an individual has made to disability employment policy and practice.
This year’s inductee is Professor Alastair McEwin AM, who has spent decades championing the rights and inclusion of people with disability, across Australia and on the international stage.
With a background in law and advocacy, Alastair has held a number of influential roles that have shaped national policy and advanced equity in employment, education, and access to justice.
He was involved in the drafting of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, he’s been the Manager of the Australian Centre for Disability Law, CEO of People with Disability Australia and Executive Director of Community Legal Centres NSW.
He has also been the President of the Deaf Society of NSW, the Chairperson of the Disability Council NSW and have served on other boards and advisory groups focused on improving outcomes for people with disability.
Most people would recognise Alastair from his time as Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner, where he led national work on employment reform, access to education, and the human rights of people with disability. He played a national leadership role in advocating for stronger protections, inclusive policies, and employer practices that support people with disability to access and retain meaningful work.
Alastair has advocated for open employment for people with disability and called for reforms to ensure better pathways into meaningful work and shifting attitudes around disability employment.
His contributions to systemic reform were recognised through their appointment as a Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, where he made recommendations to advance inclusion, safety and opportunity for people with disability, with a strong focus on systemic change in a number of areas, including employment.
In recognition of their service to disability rights, Alastair was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022.
It is with immense pride that we welcome Professor Alastair McEwin AM to the DEA Hall of Fame.
