The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services tabled its final report, recommending large scale reform to fundamentally rebuild the Commonwealth Employment Services System.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 30 November 2023

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services today tabled its final report, recommending large scale reform to fundamentally rebuild the Commonwealth Employment Services System. The report is available on the Committee’s website. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “this first-principles review is the first of its kind since services were privatised by the Howard Government nearly 25 years ago. “It’s harsh but true to say that Australia no longer has an effective coherent national employment services system; we have an inefficient outsourced fragmented social security compliance management system that sometimes gets someone a job against all odds. “It should not be controversial to state that full privatisation has failed. Even the previous government implicitly admitted this by bringing a large caseload back to the public sector with Workforce Australia Online. “The current system is inefficient, tying clients and providers up in red tape, driving away businesses and effectively making too many people less employable by requiring them to do silly courses, pointless activities or apply for jobs they simply cannot do. It has failed to prepare people for today’s red-hot labour market and to effectively address long-term unemployment, with 150,000 people stuck in the system for over five years. This must change. “The review has identified significant and numerous flaws in the employment services system that cannot be addressed by mere tweaks to policies and programs. Fundamental change is needed to better support the most disadvantaged in society and to get better value for money. Over $9.5 billion will be spent over the next four years and employment services are the Commonwealth’s largest single procurement outside Defence. “The nature of competition is counterproductive. In regional towns or disadvantaged suburban centres it seems there is an employment services provider on every street block, heavily regulated and providing largely the same service with little variation or innovation. Five ice-cream shops all selling the same vanilla ice-cream lined up side-by-side, while the Department studiously manages market share so everyone gets a lick. It’s nonsense. “The world’s best systems and other human services all have a public sector core to steward the system and benchmark quality and price–think TAFEs, public hospitals, universities, schools, aged care. Just as a GP helps someone navigate the health system, a rebuilt public sector core should help clients navigate employment services. “The Committee’s report sets out a comprehensive and ambitious blueprint to rebuild the Commonwealth Employment Services System, underpinned by the guiding vision that all people in Australia be able to enjoy decent employment and participate in economic and social life regardless of who they are or where they live.” The Committee makes 75 recommendations supported by over 600 pages of detailed analysis. Fundamental changes recommended include: A stronger, more active role for the Commonwealth government, by establishing Employment Services Australia as a rebuilt public sector core, to steward the system, be a large digital-hybrid provider for people with the fewest barriers to work, and lead each region via physical hubs. ESA Regional hubs would be tasked with assessment, referral, employer engagement and delivery of industry transition and local projects, driven by Jobs and Skills Australia labour market data. The public sector would undertake some direct service delivery including in thin markets, for people furthest from the labour market, and in some places to rebuild capability and experience. An enhanced and—in some respects—radically different service model, which recognises that clients will have different pathways to employment, social and economic participation, moving away from rigid one-size-fits all rules. This would include referrals to other human services, ‘life first’ and social participation goals for some people, a Youth Employment Service, specialist services for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, and a revamped service for ex-offenders. A new regulatory culture and more relational contracting model, moving from obsessively contracting services out and denying responsibility, to a system where service partners are contracted in to work with government and employers in local communities. Dialling back pointless competition in local areas and service fragmentation, by engaging only one ‘generalist’ case management service partner and one youth specialist per location – this will usually mean more than one partner per region. Focusing far more on demand and employer engagement, including a dedicated employer engagement service via ESA’s regional hubs to ‘hide the wiring’ for business. Broadened and tailored approach to mutual obligations and a new Shared Accountability Framework for compliance, supported by an individualised Participation and Jobs Plan, to cut red tape and compliance burden, stop driving employers away and more effectively support disadvantaged people into work. Seriously considering integrating digital employment marketplaces, such as SEEK, LinkedIn, Indeed, and competitors into the system. Re-professionalising the sector’s workforce, to reduce the shocking 40 per cent staff turnover rate and improve the pay, skills, and conditions of critical frontline staff. Establishing and Employment Services Quality Commission as an independent regulator, responsible for workforce standards, continuous learning, advising on pricing and funding mechanisms for quality services, data collection and complaints management. Several reforms are proposed as urgent or to be undertaken in the short term during the current financial year to address critical issues and obvious pain points. For other reforms, the Committee recommends that the Government develop and publish a roadmap to a rebuilt Commonwealth Employment Services System by the end of 2024. This roadmap should be a living document and be periodically reviewed and updated. Information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, published submissions, and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  via Laura Hooper – 0422 85 11 27 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services anticipates tabling a final report for its inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services on 30 November 2023.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 28 November 2023

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services anticipates tabling a final report for its inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services on 30 November 2023. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “this is not a fairy floss review. It’s the only ‘first principles’ review of Australia’s employment services system conducted in several decades. “The Committee has identified significant and numerous flaws in the system that cannot be addressed by mere tweaks to policies and programs if we are serious about addressing long-term unemployment and entrenched disadvantage. “It should not come as a surprise to those who have contributed to the inquiry that the Committee will recommend wholesale reforms and an ambitious blueprint for a rebuilt Commonwealth Employment Services System. “There are no sacred cows and the findings will directly challenge long held beliefs, including the flawed ideas that ever more competition in every place will always produce better outcomes for vulnerable consumers. “The Robodebt Royal Commission’s finding that fraud in the welfare system is minuscule is apt and the current approach to mutual obligations is like using a nuclear bomb to kill a mosquito. Mutual obligations need to be broadened and tailored to the individual, as the current one-size-fits all approach is drowning the system in compliance red-tape, driving employers away and actually making many people less employable. “The guiding vision for a rebuilt system should be to ensure that all people in Australia can enjoy decent employment and participate in economic and social life regardless of who they are or where they live. “All elements of the system have been carefully interrogated in an open-minded and non-partisan manner, led by evidence not ideology, outside interests or direction.” The inquiry has been informed by over 300 submissions, more than 60 hours of witness testimony, over 50 meetings and site visits across all Australian jurisdictions, and direct engagement with OECD experts and representatives of over 10 other countries. Information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au or via Laura Hooper 0422 85 11 27 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will conduct its final public hearings on Tuesday 19 September and Wednesday 20 September 2023 in Canberra.

Media release issue date: Monday, 18 September 2023

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will conduct its final public hearings on Tuesday 19 September and Wednesday 20 September 2023 in Canberra. The Committee will hear directly from individuals with lived experience of employment services and their representatives, as well as from academic and policy experts, peak bodies, and government agencies. The hearings will focus on the experiences of individuals with lived experience of the system—including older Australians—and their views on options for reform. The Committee will also specifically examine Work for the Dole and community and social programs. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “It is absolutely critical that we give voice to the experience of unemployed people. People with lived experiences of the system and those that support and advocate for them have unique insights into what works and what needs to change. The Committee will also hear from specific cohorts of jobseekers—including older Australians—to help ensure that reforms to employment services respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse community.” “The Committee continues to hear concerns about what Work for the Dole has become. It’s nothing like it was when John Howard started it. Mounting evidence suggests that instead of helping people and making them more employable through skills acquisition and meaningful community projects, too often people are forced into demeaning ‘make work’ activities that distract from job searching, stigmatise people and harm their mental health. Society must be careful not to make people less employable by making people do pointless activities in unsafe conditions. The Committee will engage advocacy bodies, academic experts, providers, and social enterprise as part of its examination of what proper role social and community-based employment programs can play.” “One day, soon, this inquiry will end and we will table our report near the end of the year. As the inquiry draws to a close, it is important for the Committee to re-engage with key peak bodies and research organisations which have provided academic and policy expertise, to consolidate views on key issues and potential options for reform.” “The Committee will also examine more technical aspects of the employment services system, including measures to optimise online services and to better utilise data and market insights to improve services for jobseekers, employers, and other stakeholders.” Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details 19 September 2023 Time              1.30pm – 5.45pm (Canberra time) Location        Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses     Australian Unemployed Workers Union Antipoverty Centre Per Capita Australian Council of Social Services WISE Employment Social Traders Ltd Dr Kay Patterson AO, former Age Discrimination Commissioner COTA Australia 20 September 2023 Time               8.30am – 4.15pm (Canberra time) Location        Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses     Brotherhood of St Laurence Centre for Policy Development University of Melbourne Victorian Government National Employment Services Association Jobs Australia Employment services participants Australian Taxation Office Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Jobs and Skills Australia A live audio broadcast of the hearing will be available via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

Job matching platform SEEK, the Business Council of Australia, academic and policy experts, and members of the youth advocacy and entrepreneurship sectors will appear before the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services at a public hearing in Canberra on Friday 11 August 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 10 August 2023

Job matching platform SEEK, the Business Council of Australia, academic and policy experts, and members of the youth advocacy and entrepreneurship sectors will appear before the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services at a public hearing in Canberra on Friday 11 August 2023. The hearing will focus on how the employment services system should support and work with employers, entrepreneurs, and younger people. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “Employment services have failed to meet the needs of employers. Nowhere is this clearer than in the fact that while employers across Australia are crying out for staff, there are now more long-term unemployed people than before the pandemic. “Mounting evidence suggests the system has a distorted and perverted focus on supply, and not enough on demand. Or in plain English, case managers are too tied up policing unemployed people without enough focus on working with employers and matching people to actual jobs. “The Committee is all ears, keen to hear ideas for reforms to Australia’s employment services system which could boost demand-led solutions, facilitating more effective workforce planning, recruitment, and lasting employment outcomes. “We are also interested to listen and learn more about SEEK’s submission—which suggests government is unnecessarily duplicating services—and SEEK’s proposal for change. “Youth specialist services are important and any reforms must consider the unique needs of younger jobseekers and how they engage with services.” Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date                11 August 2023 Time                12.45pm – 5.00pm Location         Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra            Witnesses      SEEK Ltd Dr Ann Nevile Business Council of Australia Australian Entrepreneurs Alliance Paul Ramsay Foundation Australian Youth Affairs Coalition A live audio broadcast of the hearing will be available via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will seek evidence from service providers and from peak bodies representing Australia’s multicultural, migrant, and refugee communities at a public hearing in Brisbane on Tuesday 6 June 2023.

Media release issue date: Friday, 2 June 2023

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will seek evidence from service providers and from peak bodies representing Australia’s multicultural, migrant, and refugee communities at a public hearing in Brisbane on Tuesday 6 June 2023. This follows site visits in Brisbane and far North Queensland, which will enable the Committee to gain further insight into the design and delivery of the employment service system in regional Australia. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “Frankly, Australia can do much better in engaging multicultural communities to boost the country’s economic prosperity. I represent one of the most diverse electorates and am particularly concerned at evidence that employment services are not adequately supporting migrants in securing skilled work to harness their talents. “The Committee will also continue to listen carefully to the insights of employment service providers—including Sarina Russo, yourtown, and Workways Australia—to identify elements of the system which drive behaviours incompatible with high quality services and meaningful employment outcomes.” Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date                6 June 2023 Time               1.00pm – 3.30pm Location         Committee Room 3, Queensland Parliament 2A George Street, Brisbane City        Witnesses       Multicultural Australia Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Sarina Russo Job Access yourtown Workways Australia A live audio broadcast of the hearing will be available via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will seek evidence from key stakeholders at a public hearing in Canberra, continuing its focus on people with disability and First Nations peoples.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 25 May 2023

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will seek evidence from key stakeholders at a public hearing in Canberra on Friday 26 May 2023, continuing its focus on people with disability and First Nations peoples. The Committee will also hear about the assistance available in Workforce Australia for people seeking self-employment, and about key issues with and opportunities to reform the jobseeker assessment process. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “Evidence indicates that First Nations peoples and Australians with disability are too often underserved by employment services. Reforms must fully understand the service ecosystem for these citizens, respond appropriately to their unique needs, and better connect people with employers.” “Big and interesting questions are raised by submitters regarding assessment processes. Employment services are a gateway human service, almost unique as society uses the power of the State to compel people to engage with a threat to income. “It’s absolutely critical that the jobseeker assessment process properly identifies a person’s personal barriers and directs them to the right services and supports to become job ready. This is especially the case for disadvantaged jobseekers. Evidence suggests that current assessment tools often fail to do this. The Committee is interested to learn more about best practice assessment processes used in other sectors and jurisdictions. “Self-employment is a pathway to financial independence for many Australians, and there is evidence that participation in Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) can help build the skills and confidence of jobseekers seeking employment on the open market. It is vital that reforms to employment services consider the role of SEA, and how it and other specialised programs might be enhanced and better integrated with the broader system.” Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date                26 May 2023 Time               9.00am – 2.30pm Location       Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra and by videoconference Witnesses    Department of Social Services        Department of Employment and Workplace Relations        National Self-Employment Association        Asuria People Services        ABS Institute of Management        Access Care Network Australia        Australian Centre for Career Education        Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation        Yilabara Solutions The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will continue its inquiry at a public hearing in Canberra, with a focus​on First Nations peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with experience of the justice system.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 16 May 2023

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will continue its inquiry at a public hearing in Canberra on Wednesday 17 May 2023, with a focus on First Nations peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with experience of the justice system. The Committee will hear from peak and representative bodies and government agencies, as well as from organisations representing the social enterprise and social ventures sector. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said ‘it’s a myth that all unemployed people are ready to work or able to do the jobs available. In fact, the data shows a giant mismatch between what employers are seeking and the enormously complex caseload of unemployed people including skills gaps, disabilities and illness. There is strong evidence that the current system has failed to invest in people and is not adapted to their diverse needs, backgrounds, and circumstances.' 'Trotting out stereotypes of ‘dole bludgers’ who should just ‘get a job’ will get a headline but won’t actually change anything. Long-term unemployment won’t be reduced without understanding the actual experiences of people. Listening is critical so we can make recommendations for a future employment services system that meets the needs of all Australians. Many people argue that social enterprises can contribute much more to helping the most disadvantaged jobseekers to remain engaged and prepare for employment in the open market’. Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date           17 May 2023 Time           8.45am – 3.00pm Location    Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra                       and by videoconference Witnesses  Australian Council of Social Service                      Economic Justice Australia                      National Indigenous Australians Agency                      Department of Employment and Workplace Relations                      Coalition of Peaks                      Settlement Council of Australia                      Social Ventures Australia                      Social Enterprise Australia                      Justice Reform Initiative                      Western Australian Association for Mental Health The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

Having tabled its interim report into ParentsNext, the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will turn its attention to the broader employment services system during a public hearing in Melbourne on Tuesday 14 March 2023.

Media release issue date: Friday, 10 March 2023

Having tabled its interim report into ParentsNext, the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will turn its attention to the broader employment services system during a public hearing in Melbourne on Tuesday 14 March 2023. The Committee will hear from a range of witnesses including academic experts, peak and advocacy bodies, think tanks, and providers of Workforce Australia and government and non-government programs. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said ‘I want to reiterate that this will be a comprehensive, first-principles review. Nothing is off the table.’ ‘There is strong evidence that employment services have failed to invest in jobseekers and to support them into sustainable employment. The Committee has also heard that the system has caused harm to many of those it is intended to support and has neglected the needs of employers during a period of increased workforce demand. Over the coming months, the Committee will conduct public hearings and site visits to explore employment service and alternative programs. We want to ensure we hear from as diverse a range of stakeholders as possible so that we can make sensible, evidence-based recommendations to optimise employment services in the future’. Submissions are requested by 17 March 2023. Community consultation sessions Members of the Committee will be participating in community consultation sessions facilitated by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence on Monday 3 April 2023. The sessions—which will be in-person in the Melbourne CBD and online for anyone to attend nationally—are an opportunity for people with lived experience of employment services to share their stories and make suggestions for reform. If you would like to participate in one of these sessions, please register your interest at the link below. Community consultation sessions: register your interest. Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, are available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date              14 March 2023 Time              9.00am – 5.00pm AEDT Location       Room G.6, Victorian Parliament House, Springer Street, East Melbourne Witnesses    Professor Jeff Borland        Professor Mark Considine        Associate Professor Siobhan O’Sullivan        Professor Gaby Ramia        Dr Michael McGann        Brotherhood of St Laurence        Centre for Policy Development        Per Capita        National Employment Services Association        Jobs Australia        Jobs Victoria        APM Employment        IntoWork Australia        Jobfind Centres Australia The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services tabled its interim report into ParentsNext, and recommended that the controversial program be abolished.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 March 2023

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services today tabled its interim report into ParentsNext, and recommended that the controversial program be abolished. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “It is clear that ParentsNext is not the flexible, compassionate, supportive service that is needed. It has become too damaged and should be replaced with a supportive service to help vulnerable parents. “Governments have a responsibility to support parents to achieve full economic and social participation. This is a moral imperative and an economic priority. “Parents have a right to choose to actively parent their babies and very young children, and this right should not be available only to wealthy parents. Caring for young children is work which used to be valued in its own right, and a mandatory focus on preparing parents of very young children for future employment is a very patriarchal view of caring and doesn’t take account of enormous diversity in the needs of families and children. “The Committee recommends sweeping changes to ParentsNext before it is abolished to allow a new pre-vocational service to be designed and put in place. These include the removal of Parenting Payment cancellations, full payment suspensions and onerous participation and reporting requirements. “Major changes are also proposed to the way a future service is delivered, including reducing competition between providers and having a public sector agency—probably Services Australia—deliver the service in at least a few regions. “We thank the inspiring parents and workers who spoke up for their time and, at times raw, honesty. Those conversations directly inform our report and will stay with us as we continue our work.” The Committee’s unanimous report makes 30 recommendations. Key recommendations include that ParentsNext be abolished at the end of its current contract and replaced with a pre-vocational service focused on building participants’ capacity and helping them realise their individual goals, and which truly values parenting. The service must be co-designed with people who will be most impacted by the new service. Most of the Committee’s other recommendations relate to design and implementation of the new service, including draft eligibility and participation requirements, compliance and enforcement; commissioning and service delivery; funding and resources; skills and training requirements; and supporting innovation, experimentation, and robust, data-driven evaluation. To allow for the co-design and implementation of the new service short contract extensions will be required. In the meantime, the Committee has called for a transition plan to be released by the Government by this July, outlining changes that can be implemented as soon as possible, to address serious concerns identified and provide ParentsNext participants with a more positive and supportive experience before the new service is in place. Some of the themes and issues covered in this interim report, such as skills and training for frontline staff, and the role of government in service delivery, will also be examined as part of the Committee’s broader in inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services. Information about the inquiry, including the interim report, Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220, waes.reps@aph.gov.au

Continuing its focus on ParentsNext, the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will hear from Commonwealth departments and agencies, peak representative bodies for service providers, and an organisation supporting young parents on 18 January 2023 in Melbourne.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 17 January 2023

Continuing its focus on ParentsNext, the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will hear from Commonwealth departments and agencies, peak representative bodies for service providers, and an organisation supporting young parents on 18 January 2023 in Melbourne. The hearing follows two days of meetings with stakeholders in regional New South Wales and regional Victoria to explore current employment services and alternative programs and to gain insights from parents, employers and providers outside the major cities. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “During this inquiry, we have heard that while many parents have benefited from ParentsNext, these benefits can be overshadowed by the harms created by the punitive nature of the current program. We want to hear from everyone.” The Committee will make recommendations relating to ParentsNext by the end of February 2023, as part of its larger inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services. Information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Time             8.30am – 11.45am AEDT (Melbourne Time) Location       Balmoral Room, Stamford Plaza, 111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne Witnesses     Brave Foundation                        National Employment Services Association                        Jobs Australia                        Department of Employment and Workplace Relations                        Department of Social Services                               Services Australia An audio broadcast of the hearing will be available via the Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220 waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services is calling for submissions on key issues with Workforce Australia, as well as advice and proposals to improve employment services in the future. Submissions are requested by 28 February 2023.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 6 December 2022

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services is calling for submissions on key issues with Workforce Australia, as well as advice and proposals to improve employment services in the future. Submissions are requested by 28 February 2023. The Committee has published a Submissions Guide which identifies key issues, themes and insights arising from the Committee’s preliminary investigations, provides an overview of the current system, and sets out questions that may assist in the framing of a submission. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “This inquiry is a comprehensive, first-principles review of Workforce Australia hence nothing is off the table. We are actively questioning all assumptions about the design and implementation of employment services in Australia, as well as a range of other issues related to jobseekers’ and employers’ interactions with employment services. Fundamental aspects of the system require re‑examination. “A well-known definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Yet this is what Australia has done for decades now with the employment services system. This has led to a system which failed to effectively invest in Australian jobseekers and to support people into sustainable employment, and which has failed to engage and assist the vast majority of employers. “The submission guide will make it easier for people to contribute as the employment services system is very complex and the inquiry is very broad.  The guide also invites expert submitters to assist the Committee by helping to answer a range of specific questions as clearly and concisely as possible. “Please be honest, direct and bold in your submissions.” The Committee especially encourages people who have first-hand, lived experience with the system to share their views and recommendations for change. Copies of the documents provided to the Committee by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations at its first public hearing on 3 November 2022 are now online. These provide a range of details on Workforce Australia that may be useful for submitters. All contributions to the inquiry are welcomed. Submitters may address as many or as few matters set out in the guidance material as they wish. Submissions may also highlight other issues, so long as they remain directly relevant to the Terms of Reference. Further information about the inquiry, including future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, are available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

Participants and providers of the ParentsNext program will appear before the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services in upcoming public hearings. They will be joined by advocacy bodies and human rights organisations discussing the program’s impacts on Tuesday 6 December in Melbourne and Wednesday 7 December 2022 in Sydney.

Media release issue date: Friday, 2 December 2022

Participants and providers of the ParentsNext program will appear before the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services in upcoming public hearings. They will be joined by advocacy bodies and human rights organisations discussing the program’s impacts on Tuesday 6 December in Melbourne and Wednesday 7 December 2022 in Sydney. The Committee will also visit ParentsNext sites in and around those cities to gain further insights from participants and to hear directly from frontline staff. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “No-one is better placed to speak to the benefits and harms of ParentsNext than the parents and carers who have lived experience of this controversial program. The Committee is looking forward to hearing from them directly, as well as from frontline service providers who best know the challenges and issues in implementing the program on the ground.” Submissions on ParentsNext can be made via the Committee’s website. The Committee has undertaken to make recommendations relating to ParentsNext by the end of February 2023. Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details 6 December 2022 Time               11.30am–1.45pm AEDT (Melbourne Time) Location         Seminar Room 1, Monash Conference Centre, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne Witnesses       National Council of Single Mothers and their Children Council of Single Mothers and their Children Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Australian Council of Social Service   7 December 2022 Time               1.30pm–4.45pm AEDT (Sydney time) Location         Corinthian Room, Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney Witnesses      ParentsNext participants Australian Human Rights Commission                        Domestic Violence New South Wales   Campbell Page OCTEC      Metro Assist   A live audio broadcast of the hearing will be available via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au  

The contentious ParentsNext program will be examined in a public hearing of the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services on Friday 11 November 2022, from 9.45am to 3.00pm AEDT. The Committee will hear from a range of witnesses, including academics, advocacy groups and government departments.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 November 2022

The contentious ParentsNext program will be examined in a public hearing of the Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services on Friday 11 November 2022, from 9.45am to 3.00pm AEDT. The Committee will hear from a range of witnesses, including academics, advocacy groups and government departments. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “Let’s not beat around the bush. ParentsNext has become highly controversial. Many claim ParentsNext causes economic and mental harm to parents of young children, disrespects First Nations peoples and survivors of domestic violence, and fundamentally misunderstands the factors inhibiting women from working. Many others strongly support the program claiming it helps numerous single parents and changes lives for the better. The Committee approaches this task with an open mind and will listen carefully to the strongly divergent views about whether the program actually assists parents of young children to find secure and meaningful work. We will examine evidence presented and consider how the program invests in building work readiness of its participants. We want to hear what aspects work, how it can help someone to get a secure job, and what action may be needed given concerns expressed by participants and stakeholders. Our role as a Committee is to ensure we understand the design and operation of ParentsNext, as well as key issues undermining the effectiveness of the program, so that we can make recommendations to improve outcomes and support parents in pursuing their needs and aspirations.” Submissions on ParentsNext are requested by 30 November 2022. Further public hearings will be held in Melbourne on 6 December and Sydney on 7 December, followed by site visits to other parts of Australia. The Committee has undertaken to make recommendations relating to ParentsNext by the end of February 2023, as part of an interim report. Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date                11 November 2022 Time               9.45am – 3.00pm AEDT Location         Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses      Dr Ann Nevile (Australian National University)                         Dr Katherine Curchin (Australian National University)                         Dr Elise Klein (Australian National University)                         Dr Eve Vincent (Macquarie University)                         Volunteering Australia                         Goodstart Early Learning                         Economic Justice Australia                         Brotherhood of St Laurence                         Department of Employment and Workplace Relations                         Department of Social Services                         Services Australia The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair: Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat: (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will hold its first public hearing today, Thursday 3 November, from 11.30am to 5.00pm AEDT. The Committee will hear from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), with a focus on key components of the system such as mutual obligations and the Targeted Compliance Framework. DEWR will also provide data on participant cohorts and demonstrate how online services platforms are used by individuals and employers.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 3 November 2022

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will hold its first public hearing today, Thursday 3 November, from 11.30am to 5.00pm AEDT. The Committee will hear from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), with a focus on key components of the system such as mutual obligations and the Targeted Compliance Framework. DEWR will also provide data on participant cohorts and demonstrate how online services platforms are used by individuals and employers. There will be visual presentations and interactive demonstrations through most of the hearing to publicly explain and expose the: composition of the current unemployment caseload – who are the unemployed in Australia today and where do they live? ·online systems that unemployed Australians and employers use, and controversial Targeted Compliance Framework. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “This is a first-principles review of Workforce Australia and the employment services system. We will build a robust evidence base starting with an understanding of who are the unemployed in Australia today and what are the systems they are required to engage with and be subject to. The Committee needs to understand the issues in detail to make recommendations so that employment services are best designed to meet current and future challenges facing Australian society”. The Committee will call for submissions to its inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services in the coming weeks and will publish guidance material to assist submitters. Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: 3 November 2022 Time: 11.30am – 5.00pm AEDT Location: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair  Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat  (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will hold its first public hearing on Thursday 3 November 2022. The Committee will hear from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), with a focus on key components of the system such as mutual obligations and the Targeted Compliance Framework. DEWR will also provide data on participant cohorts and demonstrate how online services platforms are used by individuals and employers.

Media release issue date: Monday, 31 October 2022

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services will hold its first public hearing on Thursday 3 November 2022. The Committee will hear from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), with a focus on key components of the system such as mutual obligations and the Targeted Compliance Framework. DEWR will also provide data on participant cohorts and demonstrate how online services platforms are used by individuals and employers. There will be visual presentations and interactive demonstrations through most of the hearing to publicly explain and expose the: composition of the current unemployment caseload – who are the unemployed in Australia today and where do they live? online systems that unemployed Australians and employers use, and the controversial Targeted Compliance Framework. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “This is a first-principles review of Workforce Australia and the employment services system. We will build a robust evidence base starting with an understanding of who are the unemployed in Australia today and what are the systems they are required to engage with and be subject to. The Committee needs to understand the issues in detail to make recommendations so that employment services are best designed to meet current and future challenges facing Australian society”. The Committee will call for submissions to its inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services in the coming weeks and will publish guidance material to assist submitters. Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: 3 November 2022 Time: 11.30am – 5.00pm AEST Location: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations The hearing will be live broadcast via the Parliament’s Watch, Read, Listen website. Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair  Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au  (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat  (02) 6277 2220  waes.reps@aph.gov.au

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services is calling for submissions on the ParentsNext program as the first major component of its inquiry into employment services in Australia.

Media release issue date: Friday, 14 October 2022

The Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services is calling for submissions on the ParentsNext program as the first major component of its inquiry into employment services in Australia. The Committee will examine the role of ParentsNext in providing early intervention to disadvantaged parents, in line with a request from the Minister from Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Tony Burke MP. Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said ‘This will not be a fairy floss review. The Committee has been tasked with a first principles review of Australia’s employment services system. ParentsNext, a pre-employment program to prepare parents and carers for employment before their youngest child begins school, is the initial focus. ‘Let’s not beat around the bush. ParentsNext has become highly controversial. Strong supporters claim it helps many single parents, while many equally strongly argue it must be scrapped as it harms people. ‘The Committee approaches this task with an open mind, and will examine evidence presented and consider how the program invests in building work readiness of its participants. We are interested in hearing what aspects work, how it can help someone to get a secure job, and what action may be needed given concerns expressed by participants and stakeholders.’ ‘Many of the issues we are exploring in relation to Workforce Australia may also apply to ParentsNext.’ The Committee is seeking written submissions from individuals and organisations by 30 November 2022. The Committee is particularly interested in ParentsNext’s: policy objectives; eligibility and compulsory participation requirements; impact on women's economic equality and workforce participation; efficacy in addressing structural and cultural barriers to accessing family support, education and employment; and funding and service delivery arrangements. Submissions should ideally be no more than ten (10) pages, and should provide views and recommendations in relation to the ParentsNext program. The Committee has undertaken to make any recommendations in relation to ParentsNext by the end of February 2023, as part of an interim report. The Committee will separately call for submissions on Workforce Australia and the employment services system more broadly in the coming weeks, and will publish guidance material to assist submitters. Further information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference,  published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry website. Also available is the letter from Minister Burke, which provides additional information about the matters the Committee may consider when examining the ParentsNext program Media inquiries Mr Julian Hill MP, Chair Julian.Hill.MP@aph.gov.au (03) 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2220 waes.reps@aph.gov.au