13 March 2023, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here.
Another key industry player suggested government should shut down the work-for-the-dole scheme
Some job agencies running the federal government’s flagship employment services program, Workforce Australia, are arguing for a review or overhaul of the mutual obligationsParticipation requirements welfare recipients must fulfil each month to continue... system, with one calling for the requirements to be scrapped entirely.
A parliamentary inquiry reporting to the employment minister, Tony Burke, is currently investigating the scheme, which was established in the dying days of the former Coalition government.
The committee’s chair, Labor backbencher Julian Hill, has already indicated that the “sacred cows” of Australia’s privatised job services system would be placed under the microscope and the inquiry’s first interim report called for the abolition of the controversial ParentsNextA "pre employment" program targeting single parents with children under the age ... program, mostly aimed at single mothers on benefits. It also suggested a small role for the public sector in the replacement program.
…long-held and current mutual obligations system was punitive and potentially harmful
– Job agency, Joblink, submission to Workforce Australia inquiry
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.