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Massive change coming for Aussie jobseekers
On Wednesday, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth will announce the most significant reforms to Workforce Australia in decades at the National Press Club in Canberra, calling the overhaul 'the biggest reform to our employment services system in 30 years.'
A 2023 parliamentary committee led by Labor MP Julian Hill found the employment services system was holding back the entire economy by failing to properly train people while tying up employers in red tape, prompting reform recommendations.
The new system will split jobseekers into three streams: those ready to work will use digital services; those needing skills development will receive targeted provider-led support; and those facing complex barriers will get intensive support.
Mutual obligations will shift from a standardized points system to requirements that are 'effective, fair and proportionate,' reflecting each individual's distance from the labour market; the government will overhaul assessment and triaging processes accordingly.
Funded with $312m over five years from the 2025-26 budget, design details will be worked through in coming months via consultation with the sector and an expert advisory group supporting the reforms.