14 August 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here.
Nathan, now on disability support, says job providers did little to help his search while they claimed thousands of dollars each time he found work on his own
After nearly 15 years navigating the system meant to help Australians find jobs, Nathan’s mental health was so badly damaged that he was unable to work.
The 46-year-old says the private companies profiting from the multibillion-dollar job services industry did little to help him find work throughout that time, but documents show they legally made thousands of dollars whenever he found employment for himself.
His case illustrates some of the anguish jobseekers have experienced with the privatised employment market, and the perverse incentives built into a system that allow job providers to profit handsomely while the onus to comply with “mutual obligationsParticipation requirements welfare recipients must fulfil each month to continue...” remains entirely with their clients.
It’s one thing to say Centrelink just thinks of you as a number, but it’s another thing to be suddenly a commodity for these companies
– Nathan
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.