Stories

We have published a number of stories from Antipoverty Centre surveys, the Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union review app, news media and other sources on this site and will be adding to these over time to create an archive of material demonstrating the harms caused by “mutual” obligations and employment services providersCompliance with “mutual” obligations is enforced by outsourced employment se....

Staff review: Bullying and harassment is tolerated

Upper management target staff and misuse the power of their position.

Work for the Dole sucks badly

My provider caused a problem with my poverty payment

APM review, anonymous, 20 June 2023

I specifically recall being called an “arrogant prick” for asserting my rights.

It’s humiliating and degrading

They are truly just awful. They aren’t interested in getting you a job at all.

APM review, Sandra, 13 June 2023

She was trying to push me into training (their courses) in industries I am not…

Worried the NDIS will link me with job agencies

I am treated with such discontempt to the point i want to harm myself, i…

Dangerous to me, but also not applicable

They have criminalised unemployment, turned providers into probation and parole offices staffed by quasi police officers.
READ
These systems are humiliating, dehumanising and cause so much stress and pressure

The job was meant to be landscaping. I am physically disabled and at the time had no access to a wheelchair.
READ
I learnt nothing

It’s bloody hard work out on the trucks picking up and delivering furniture.
READ

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.

Do the survey

Getting support