[Greens-Media] JSAs failing the our vulnerable, with just 1 in 4 finding work

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

4 June 2013
JSAs failing the most vulnerable, with just 1 in 4 finding work
The Australian Greens said today that only a quarter of the most disadvantaged job seekers being assisted through Job Services Australia are finding work.
"The Department of Department of Education Employment & Workplace Relations confirmed in Senate Estimates that just 25.1% of people from stream 4, the most disadvantaged job seekers, are getting employment outcomes through JSAs," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on families and community services said today.
"People in stream 4 have significant and often multiple barriers to employment, which can include people with disability, mental health issues or those who are homeless or have experience with homelessness.

"The weaknesses of our employment system are keeping these most vulnerable of people on inadequate payments like Newstart for very long periods of time, making it increasingly difficult for them to escape poverty.

"DEEWR, Labor and Tony Abbott's Coalition continue to regard Newstart as a 'short term' payment. Clearly it is anything but.
"Getting just one in four people into work is not an acceptable outcome and is a clear sign the system is not working.
"In addition to increasing Newstart by $50 per week, it is critical that services and support for jobseekers are improved to help people to successfully transfer into the workforce," Senator Siewert concluded.