Employment services reform

The Government has set out its vision for a dynamic and inclusive labour market where workers, employers and communities can thrive, and everyone who wants a job is able to find one without having to search for too long.

To achieve this, Australia needs a strengthened employment services system that invests in people and supports them on their pathway to work, underpinned by a workplace relations system that promotes safe, secure jobs with good pay and conditions.

Working Future: the Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities was released in September 2023 to lay the foundation for a more inclusive labour market that can meet the evolving demands of the future, for the benefit of all Australians.

It includes 8 guiding principles for employment services reform.

A House Select Committee (the Select Committee) was set up in August 2022 to examine the implementation, performance, and appropriateness of Workforce Australia Employment Services.

The Australian Government released its response to the findings of the Workforce Australia Inquiry on 4 July 2024.

We will provide regular updates on the progress of work to reform employment services.

Supporting First Nations people through the Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program

The Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program will support First Nations people to transition from the justice system into employment, education and training.  

The program will be available to First Nations people, aged 15 years and older, who have been incarcerated, with a known release date, or who are on remand. Support will commence up to 6 months before release and continue for up to 12 months post release. Rolling out in two phases, Phase 1 of the REAL Program will initially begin in a cross-section of facilities across states and territories from 1 July 2025. 

The Australian Government has committed $76.2 million over 5 years to the new voluntary program.

Learn more about REAL and have your say

Australian Government response to the House Select Committee Workforce Australia Employment Services

On 4 July 2024, the Australian Government released its response to the findings of the Workforce Australia Inquiry, signalling policy directions for employment services reform.

The response covers both the interim report on ParentsNext and the final report, Rebuilding Employment Services.

In its response, the Government outlines its agreement with the Select Committee that reform is necessary.

Read the Government’s response to the findings of the Select Committee
Read Minister Burke’s media release.

2024-25 Budget announcements

The Government announced initial improvements to employment services systems and policy settings in the 2024-25 Budget.

These improvements will strengthen the integrity of employment services, better recognise people’s individual circumstances, invest in critical improvements to IT systems and the support provided by the Digital Services Contact Centre, and support people through employment pathways.

A summary of initiatives announced is available on the 2024-25 Budget page.

Parent Pathways pre-employment service for parents

Parent Pathways is a voluntary pre-employment service that commenced in November 2024 to support eligible parents and carers of young children. With the help of a qualified mentor, parents and carers receive flexible support to assist with any personal, study or work goals. 

Learn more about Parent Pathways

The service is also being delivered by the Australian Government in Playford, Gawler, and surrounding local government areas in South Australia. This service delivery builds Australian Public Service capability and leadership.

Learn more about Parent Pathways, delivered by the Australian Government