Release type: Media Release

Date:

Australian Government employment services helping more Australians find work

Ministers:

The Hon Kate Ellis MP
Minister for Employment Participation
Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care

Australia Government Employment Services continue to help more job seekers into jobs, training and education, according to a report released today. 

Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis said the Labour Market Assistance Outcomes report for December 2011 shows positive results across all job seeker groups. 

“The Australian Government believes that everyone who is able should be able to benefit from the income and the dignity work brings,” Ms Ellis said. 

“Since this Government established Job Services Australia (JSA) in July 2009, Australians looking for work have been more successful in finding work, and this latest report is further proof of that continuing trend. 

“Almost one-third of our most disadvantaged job seekers are in work three months following participation in JSA, compared to 15 per cent in 2009 under the previous employment services arrangements. 

“In addition, 18 per cent of disadvantaged job seekers are undertaking education or training three months following participation in JSA compared to 8 per cent under the previous arrangements. 

“Helping people find and keep fulfilling employment is the best assistance we can provide, and this report shows that Australian Government employment services are doing just that. 

“Importantly, these positive outcomes are shared by job seekers in some of the most vulnerable groups – young people, people with disability, sole parents and Indigenous job seekers.” 

The December 2011 report finds: 

  • 68 per cent of the young job seekers aged 15 to 24 years are in work and/or education and training;
  • 49 per cent of job seekers with a disability are in work and/or education and training;
  • 44 per cent of Indigenous job seekers in work and/or education and training; and 
  • 68 per cent of sole parent job seekers are in work and/or education and training.

“The Government continues to build on the strong foundation of JSA. In last month’s Budget we committed $1.5 billion to help more Australians in remote locations find work through the Remote Jobs and Communities Program,” Ms Ellis said.

“The Remote Jobs and Communities Program will streamline services and see jobseekers assisted by a single provider with a permanent presence in their region, ensuring they are getting better support to get the skills needed to get a job.”

Labour Market Assistance Outcomes December 2011 is available at http://www.deewr.gov.au/employment/researchstatistics/progeval/pages/lmaoutcomes.aspx