The Australian Government has announced that, from 1 November 2024, a new voluntary pre- employment service will be available to eligible parents of young children.
The new service puts parents at the centre. Recognising that caring for children is the priority, and providing choice so that parents can engage with their education and employment goals on the timeline that is right for them.
Stakeholder feedback informed the new service and will continue to be sought in the roll out and delivery of the service. The voluntary service will provide eligible parents with practical support toward their individual goals. Eligible parents will have the flexibility to engage with the service when they choose and for as long as they wish, up until their youngest child turns 6 years old.
Parents will continue to have ongoing voluntary access to support until the new service is implemented. ParentsNext will be extended for 4 months to 31 October 2024 to facilitate continuity of support.
The media release announcing the new service is available on the Ministers’ Media Centre, and more information is available on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.