The Australian Government has outlined an ambitious program of reform for employment services through its White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities and response to the findings of the House Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services.
This page provides you with the latest information and updates on the progress of this work.
The need for 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.
White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities
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.
Workforce Australia Inquiry
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.
Reform updates
We will provide regular updates on the progress of work to reform employment services.
MYEFO update
As part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook announced by Treasury, the Government will provide $67.6 million over four years from 2024-25 (and $0.1 million per year ongoing) to support employment services reform through delivery of place-based employment services and strengthened integrity of service delivery processes. Funding includes:
- $62.6 million over three years from 2024-25 to extend the Local Jobs program for two years to 30 June 2027 to connect local employers, job seekers and communities in 51 employment regions
- $4.9 million over two years from 2024-25 to better ensure the integrity of processes supporting mutual obligation requirements
- $0.2 million over three years from 2025-26 (and $0.1 million per year ongoing) to deliver a consolidated, place-based employment program on Norfolk Island from 1 July 2025.
Visit Budget.gov.au for more information
New complaints service
The Australian Government is strengthening the complaints service for people engaging with pre-employment and employment services. The new service will be accessible and consider the needs of the complainant, particularly those who are vulnerable.
This measure is part of the 2024–25 Budget announcement for Employment Services – Strengthening the Integrity of Employment Services.
We are consulting on the new service. A discussion paper is now available. Your feedback will help us ensure the new complaints service is focused on you and will help to continuously improve the services we provide. Our goal is to create a complaints service that meets the needs and expectations of all people who connect with employment services. The consultation will close 7 February 2025.
Learn more about the new complaints service
Have your say on the discussion paper
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
