24 August 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here.
AimBig one of 52 providers to lose market share in $1bn a year Disability Employment Services program
A job agency that came under fire at the disability royal commission for a questionable barista course is among several providers stripped of contracts under a shake-up of Disability Employment Services (DesDisability Employment Services is an employment services program targeted to dis...).
AimBig Employment is one of 52 for-profit and charity-run employment services providersCompliance with “mutual” obligations is enforced by outsourced employment se... that have lost market share in the $1bn-a-year program following a performance review.
The company was criticised at the royal commission in February, after the inquiry heard it claimed more than $1m in government payments for its “BusyBeans” barista program for people with disability. The program was said to have lacked basic equipment in one case, despite being also funded by a $300,000 government grant.
Other affected companies to lose a small number of sites included major players Max Employment, the Salvation Army Employment Plus and Sarina Russo.
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.