BUDGET - Catholic Social Services Australia Welcomes Vocational Services Changes

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed sweeping reforms to the suite of vocational services programs in last night's Budget which promise to personalise services, address skills shortages and streamline the administration of employment-related programs.

Mr Quinlan said disadvantaged unemployed people will be the big winners under the new arrangements where services can be tailored to meet individual needs, giving long-term unemployed people a better chance of securing a job.

"Catholic Social Services Australia has lobbied hard for three years for these changes as it became increasingly apparent that the Job Network had become obsolete and that a new approach was urgently needed," Mr Quinlan said.

"We welcome these very important changes which will see much more intensive support for people who experience serious barriers to employment - long term unemployed people, single parents, older Australians, people who live with mental illness, people who are homeless.

"The system was overloaded and the most vulnerable people were slipping through the net.

"The extension of the Employment Pathway Fund to all job seekers means that the most disadvantaged job seekers, who previously missed out, will now have access to flexible support. We welcome this opportunity to enhance our services to the most disadvantaged job seekers.

"Seven programs will be rolled into one, effectively streamlining contracts for Job Network, Harvest Labour Services, Personal Support Program, Job Placement Employment and Training, Community Work Coordinator Services, Green Corps, New Enterprise Incentive Scheme and Remote Bundled Services.

"Unemployed people will be streamed into one of four categories from work ready job seekers to categories which cater for increasing levels of disadvantage.

"We estimate the changes involve a major shift of funds of about $500m over 3 years which will be directed towards the most disadvantaged job seekers.

"Under the new arrangements the eight-week suspension of payments will be significantly rearranged. Instead of being banished for eight weeks, job seekers will be required to undertake intensive assistance, and payments will then be reinstated. We never supported the previous draconian measures and we welcome the changes.

"And while the changes will mean upheavals for many agencies, over time the streamlining of programs will ensure less red tape and simpler administration," Mr Quinlan said.

Mr Quinlan said he is pleased the Government has listened and he looks forward to further consultation in the lead up to the implementation of the changes in mid 2009, particularly to ensure the skills of expert providers are not lost during the transition to the new arrangements. 

Catholic Social Services Australia provides services to over a million Australians each year through its 64 member agencies in remote, regional and metropolitan Australia.

14 May 2008                                                                                    

CONTACT   Judith Tokley                 02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306