Submission - Social Security Legislation Amendment (Streamlined Participation Requirements and Other Measures) Bill 2021

The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia expresses reservations about the proposed amendments in the Bill regarding the employment services model.

While the Bill attempts to align with the Employment Services Expect Advisory Panel’s recommendations outlined in I Want to Work: Employment Services 2020, certain elements of the Bill are contrary to these recommendations. 

Concerns include the lack of meaningful consultation with Job Active participants, potential risks of non-compliance with automated systems, and insufficient evidence on trial data and automated decision-making.

The Society emphasises the need for clear and straightforward processes, raises concerns about the lack of tailored assistance for disadvantaged job seekers, and questions the efficacy of the proposed changes in achieving positive outcomes.   

Read the full submission - pdf file