Deputy leader Adam Bandt introduced a private member's bill into Parliament last week, which directed the Public Service Commissioner to set targets for minorities.

If passed, it would require the service to double the total number of people with disabilities it employs, as well as people from non-English-speaking backgrounds, by 2019.

Mr Bandt said he regularly heard stories from people who badly wanted to work but were unable to find employment.

''If there are people who want to work and are capable of working we should be doing everything we can to find them meaningful work,'' Mr Bandt said.

The number of people with disabilities in the public service has dropped sharply over the last 20 years to reach its lowest level last year.

National Welfare Rights Network spokeswoman Maree O'Halloran said the government needed to act as a role model to other big employers.

The government has said it will not support the bill.

Ben Westcott