ACOSS has expressed concern that job seekers may be disadvantaged in the transition to the new Job Services Australia system announced by the Government today.

Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service :
“The key issue is whether unemployed people can get the support they need. This is our benchmark in responding to the tender.”

“With unemployment rising, tendering the entire employment services network couldn’t have come at a worse time. There is real potential for disruption and disadvantage for job seekers.”

“At greatest risk are people are who have been unemployed for long periods and require intensive assistance, as well as jobseekers in regional and remote areas where it is already difficult to find work.”

“ACOSS would be concerned if Job Network providers who have demonstrated high performance over many years lose their contracts or if the diversity of the sector is reduced. Non-profit, smaller and specialised providers make a vital contribution in getting people who are unemployed back to work.”

ACOSS will provide further comments once the full list of successful tenderers are announced by DEEWR tomorrow.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron – 0419 626 155