7 June 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here.
Mutual obligationsParticipation requirements welfare recipients must fulfil each month to continue... system will require people to complete an expanded range of activities to keep their payments
Welfare advocates have warned job seekers may have their payments suspended under a new points-based mutual obligations system because of “unnecessarily onerous” requirements.
The “points-based activation system”, to be introduced from 1 July, replaces the rigid 20 job applications a month requirement that has frustrated job seekers and employers for many years.
Instead, to keep their welfare payments, people seeking work will need to accumulate 100 points a month by completing an expanded range of activities.
Some people, particularly those with limited digital literacy or poor internet access, will experience significant challenges with the online reporting required
– Edwina MacDonald, ACOSS Deputy CEO
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.