The next generation of employment services: Discussion paper

Jobactive is the Australian Government’s generalist employment service and the largest program through which employment services are delivered to Australians. Recognising that employment services need to adapt and change with the labour market, the government undertook a consultation on delivering better targeted and more tailored services that benefit users. This discussion paper sets out key issues to be considered in the design of a future employment services model. The Employment Services Expert Advisory Panel, national and international research, and user-centred design with users, including job seekers, employers and employment services providers, have also informed this document. The paper also provides details on how to provide comments about the issues raised., Edited excerpts from publication., The paper covers the following themes: the goals for future employment services; helping disadvantaged Australians into work; empowering job seekers and employers through improved online services; better meeting the needs of employers; assessing job seekers to tailor support to their needs; incentives for job seekers to find work; targeted regional and local approaches; a service culture built on competition and policy; and transitioning to a future employment services model. Appendices are as follows: A: Short history of employment services; B: A guide to jobactive; C: Summary of complementary programs; D: Common misconceptions of employment services; E: jobactive caseload data; F: Performance of jobactive; G: Labour market data and information; H: International employment services.