Media spotlight on employment services
We are collecting examples of job agency abuse and related news media. If you have a story to add, please send it to us here.
Workforce Australia launch plagued with disaster
6 July 2022, Innovation Australia, Denham Sadler. Access the full article here. ‘Confluence of disasters’:…
‘Where is their obligation to us?’ Unemployed workers protest the Albanese government’s new welfare obligations
1 June 2022, Crikey, Cam Wilson. Access the full article here. For unemployed workers who…
New employment services program crashes at launch
9 July 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here. Welfare recipients say…
Chair of Workforce inquiry likens program to dystopian TV show
4 October 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here. MP Julian Hill…
People forced into job agencies as COVID cases soar
17 January 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here. People are being…
Job agency says to scrap ‘mutual obligations’
13 March 2023, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here. Another key industry…
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Employment Minister urged to stop rollout of new system
16 June 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here. Survey of unemployed people suggests ‘harm was actually being designed into the system’, academic says The employment minister, Tony Burke, has been urged to pause a new “points-based” mutual obligations system as a new…
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Advocates warn of onerous points-based system
7 June 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here. Mutual obligations 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…
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Department folds, gives job agencies millions in contracts for bullshit courses
27 July 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here. Department of employment intended to ban practice before reversing course after ‘strong feedback’ from industry The employment services industry successfully lobbied to stop a proposed rule banning providers from referring jobseekers to their…
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.