The Federal Government has unveiled a 'once-in-a-generation' reform of employment services, aiming to address the plight of tens of thousands of jobseekers in Perth's southern suburbs who are trapped in long-term unemployment. The current system is failing too many people, with 42.1 per cent of Australians in the system spending years without work.
Current System Falls Short
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations acknowledged that while the existing system works for some, others are either spending too much time in 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,' the department stated on its website.
Proposed Three-Stream Model
Under the proposed reforms, employment services will be divided into three streams based on individual needs:
- Job-ready individuals: Will receive online and brief intervention services.
- Those needing additional skills, confidence, or work experience: Will be supported through targeted provider services.
- People facing significant barriers: Such as health issues, housing instability, or long-term unemployment, will receive intensive support.
The reforms also introduce a new assessment process and personalised employment goal plans designed to connect people with appropriate services earlier.
Perth's Southern Suburbs Hit Hard
New figures reveal that more than 37,000 people across Perth's southern suburbs rely on employment services. About 18 per cent of Workforce Australia participants in the region have spent two years or longer without securing paid work, while nearly 25 per cent have remained in the system for five years or more—above the national average of 20 per cent.
Community Forum Held
The first employment community forum in Australia took place on June 5 in South Perth, attended by Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Patrick Gorman and Swan MHR Zaneta Mascarenhas. Mr Gorman stated, '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 added that the reforms aim to provide support tailored to individual circumstances.
Ms Mascarenhas noted that providers, employers, and community organisations were clear that the reform must deliver a system that is motivational rather than punitive, caters to different needs, and ensures finding work is a dignified process for everyone.
Strong Demand in Key Industries
There is currently 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.
