2 August 2022, Guardian Australia, Luke Henriques-Gomes. Access the full article here.
Labor supported $1.5bn-a-year program implemented by Coalition but employment minister says some aspects require ‘scrutiny and oversight’
The Albanese government has flagged it may overhaul the $1.5bn-a-year Workforce Australia program after announcing a parliamentary committee to investigate its design.
The employment minister, Tony Burke, said on Tuesday the government would establish a house select committee to examine the job services scheme, which was created by the former Coalition government and replaced Jobactive this month.
It follows extensive reporting by Guardian Australia about early issues with the scheme, including unreasonable or confusing mutual obligations placed on jobseekers by the outsourced providers.
Anecdotally, it appears the user experience of the system varies wildly from person to person and provider to provider.
– Employment Minister, Tony Burke
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.