Workforce Australia Committee continues examination of ParentsNext

The hearing follows two days of meetings with stakeholders in regional New South Wales and regional Victoria to explore current employment services and alternative programs and to gain insights from parents, employers and providers outside the major cities.

Committee Chair, Julian Hill MP said, “During this inquiry, we have heard that while many parents have benefited from ParentsNext, these benefits can be overshadowed by the harms created by the punitive nature of the current program. We want to hear from everyone.”

The committee will make recommendations relating to ParentsNext by the end of February 2023, as part of its larger inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services.

Information about the inquiry, including terms of reference, future public hearings, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website.

Public hearing details

Time              8.30am – 11.45am AEDT (Melbourne Time)
Location        Balmoral Room, Stamford Plaza, 111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Witnesses     Brave Foundation
                       National Employment Services Association
                       Jobs Australia
                       Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
                       Department of Social Services                       
                       Services Australia

An audio broadcast of the hearing will be available via the Watch, Read, Listen website.

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