As part of the new Workforce Australia service, individuals who need help to find a job and are on income support will either:
- stay with the same employment services provider
- transition to a new employment services provider
- be offered digital servicing.
Here’s an overview of how the service will change.
How’s Workforce Australia different to jobactive?
There will be 2 levels of support for individuals:
1. Workforce Australia Services – delivered by an employment services provider
This is individualised and intensive support, delivered in-person. It involves high-quality servicing with a focus on early intervention and tailored case management. You still receive access to the Workforce Australia Online platform.
If you choose to connect with one of our CoAct Connect Service Providers , we’ll offer support in the following:
- A Mentor who takes time to listen and understand you, and will guide and support you on your journey to employment
- Professional career counselling including work suitability assessments that support your personal career aspirations
- An exclusive online employment hub where you can access professional tools to help you build your personal marketing profile, helping you stand out from the crowd
- Connections to specialist services for housing, counselling, family support, and more
- Small group workshops tailored to your personal growth and professional development
- Access to a pool of funds to help you get ready to start work
- Ongoing support for up to 26 weeks in your new role
- Referrals to tailored Government programs such as Career Transition Assistance, Employability Skills Training and digital literacy.
2. Workforce Australia Online
This is an online platform where you self-manage your job search and reporting. It’s been designed for job-ready individuals who are able to manage their own path to employment.
The service includes:
- employability skills training, for example digital proficiency and job searching
- Career Transition Assistance for people 45 and over
- an individual career coaching session to help you get back on track.
When does Workforce Australia take over from jobactive?
Workforce Australia services begin on Monday 4 July 2022.
Can I change employment services provider?
If you think there’s an employment services provider who can give you better support, you can transfer.
Here’s what to do:
- If you’re self-managing your employment – Workforce Australia Online
- If you’re with a local employment services provider – Workforce Australia Services
If you’d like to discuss a transfer for better servicing or because you’ve moved, call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260. Transfers are approved at the discretion of the Department.
Can I request face-to-face or digital servicing?
Between 4 and 15 July you’ll be able to transfer back to your current provider for face-to-face support or request digital servicing. We recommend doing one of the following:
- Call our dedicated Workforce Australia number on 1800 860 765. Our employment specialist, Ben, will be able to help you secure continued support from us.
- Call the government’s National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
Will my mutual obligations change?
No, mutual obligations remain the same however the way in which you achieve meeting them looks different.
The Points Based Activation System (PBAS) is the new and flexible approach to job seeker activation. It provides individuals with choice and flexibility around the way they manage and meet their mutual obligation requirements in return for their income support.
Under PBAS, you’re encouraged to actively engage and participate in tasks and activities. You’re rewarded through earning points to meet a points target.
These tasks and activities include job searching, job interviews, starting a job, paid work, study and training and non-vocational activities. They also include participation in Government employment programs like Work for the Dole or PaTH Internships.
For more information, please ask your consultant or read more here.
Will my Centrelink payments change?
No, your Centrelink payments won’t change.
Who can I call to talk through my concerns?
Here are a few options:
- You can call our dedicated Workforce Australia number on 1800 860 765. Our employment specialist, Ben, will be able to answer your questions.
- Call the Government’s National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
- Call Services Australia on 133 276.
