Rishworth Unveils JobSeeker Activity Changes as Anglicare Questions Billions Spent on Compliance
Updated
Updated · thepoint.com.au · Jun 21
Rishworth Unveils JobSeeker Activity Changes as Anglicare Questions Billions Spent on Compliance
1 articles · Updated · thepoint.com.au · Jun 21
Summary
Amanda Rishworth has announced changes to compulsory activities for JobSeeker recipients, reopening debate over what unemployed people can be required to do through employment services.
Anglicare Australia said the bigger issue is that major employment programs are often not judged on whether they actually lead to jobs, despite being funded with billions of dollars.
Its analysis argues governments instead measure softer outcomes such as confidence, social connections and resilience, while many jobseekers face practical barriers like childcare, transport, licences or qualifications.
Private providers now receive billions to monitor compliance, refer people to activities and run training, the report said, creating incentives to keep people cycling through appointments rather than moving into work.
After 30 years of compulsory activities and privatised services, Anglicare said the system should shift from policing jobseekers to directly funding supports people say they need.
Is Australia's employment system designed to find people jobs, or to profit from their continued unemployment?
If the economy lacks enough entry-level jobs, are compulsory activities just an expensive performance?
Could redirecting funds from policing job seekers to practical support like childcare and training solve unemployment?
Overhauling Australia’s Employment Services: Measuring Success and Addressing Gaps in the 2026 Reform
Overview
In May 2026, the Australian government announced major reforms to its employment services system, aiming to fix long-standing problems with the previous mutual obligations approach. The old system was criticized for being unfair and punitive, often forcing people into unsuitable tasks and suspending payments even for those with serious health issues. The new model promises to move away from a one-size-fits-all method, focusing instead on tailored support and better outcomes for jobseekers, especially those facing long-term unemployment. This shift began with a public discussion paper, inviting feedback to help design a more individualized and effective employment support system.