22 July 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here.
Multiple complaints of baffling and unrealistic requirements have been reported as being set by employment agencies under the new program
To go to work, or to attend an appointment to “find” work – that’s the question one worker is asking himself under the federal government’s new Workforce Australia employment services system.
The 62-year-old is the latest jobseeker in the new $1.3bn-a-year Workforce Australia program to complain about the baffling mutual obligationsParticipation requirements welfare recipients must fulfil each month to continue... he must fulfil.
Despite informing his job agency that he is unable to attend appointments because he is working full-time hours for a labour hire firm 10am to 6pm each weekday, David said he was continually being hassled by his provider, atWork Australia.
I’m actually going to take the day off from work, I’m going to inform work that I’m not available… and basically tell them the whole thing again. That ‘I am working. And I cannot be contacted’ and just to leave me alone
– Person forced to take day off to attend job agency meeting
Employment services survey
The Punishment for Profit report is based on hundreds of responses to surveys conducted by the Antipoverty Centre. This research is ongoing. If you are in Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services or a similar program, we welcome any information you are able to share about your experiences.