‘Once-in-a-generation’ reform proposed for personalised employment services as people wait years without work

Tens of thousands of jobseekers in Perth’s southern suburbs are trapped in long-term unemployment, with the Federal Government admitting the current employment services system is failing too many people. It has started reforming mainstream employment services to “better meet the needs of individuals, employers, communities, and the economy” as 42.1 per cent of Australians in the system wait years without work. The Department of Employment and Workplace relations said that while the current system works for some, others are spending more time than necessary on employment services or falling through the cracks. “The current system takes a one-size-fits-all approach which means people are not receiving supports tailored to their needs,” it says on its website. Under the proposed reforms, employment services will be divided into three streams based on individual needs. People who are job-ready will receive online and brief intervention services, while those needing additional skills, confidence or work experience will be supported through targeted provider services. People facing more significant barriers such as health issues, housing instability or long-term unemployment will receive intensive support. The reforms will also introduce a new assessment process and personalised employment goal plans designed to connect people with appropriate services earlier. This reform comes as new figures reveal that tens of thousands of jobseekers in Perth’s southern suburbs are trapped in long-term unemployment. More than 37,000 people across Perth’s south rely on employment services, but the figures show that many people are spending years in the system without finding paid employment. About 18 per cent of Workforce Australia participants in the region have spent two years or longer in employment services without securing paid work, while almost 25 per cent have remained in the system for five years or more, which is above the national average of 20 per cent. The first employment community forum in Australia was held on June 5 in South Perth, with both Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Patrick Gorman and Swan MHR Zaneta Mascarenhas in attendance. Mr Gorman said the current system was not delivering for many people in Perth’s southern suburbs. “More than 37,000 people across Perth’s southern suburbs rely on employment services, but too many are not getting the support they need to find and keep work,” he said. “We are seeing high levels of long-term unemployment and more complex barriers, showing the system needs to do more. “Too many people are spending extended periods on employment services without moving into jobs they can keep. “These reforms mean people in Perth’s south will get support for their individual circumstances, and we’re asking the community to help shape the final design.” Ms Mascarenhas said it was great to have the first community forum on the reforms in South Perth. “Providers, employers and community organisations were clear that this reform needs to deliver a system that is motivational rather than punitive, caters to different needs, and ensures finding work is a dignified process for everyone,” she said. There is currently a strong demand for workers in industries such as health care and social assistance, warehousing and construction, supported by major developments and training pathways across TAFE, university and vocational education. More information on the proposed reform is available on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website. Public submissions on the proposed reform are open until July 31.