NESA is dedicated to advancing education and quality service provision in the employment and related services sector and improving social or public welfare through the wellbeing of unemployed, disadvantaged, and marginalised people. Our priority is assisting them in overcoming barriers to economic and social participation, with particular emphasis on those who are most disadvantaged.
Established in 1997, NESA leads the sector through the delivery of intensive policy, operational and capacity building support to position programs and service delivery to best respond to needs and aspirations of economically and socially disadvantaged Australians.
NESA represents the diversity of organisations across the sector, including not-for-profit, for-profit and public organisations delivering the full suite of Australian government employment assistance programs, and community services.
Copies of our policy papers and submissions to government inquiries
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Information regarding our advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities
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Provides timely information about sector-relevant events as they arise - conferences, forums and retreats
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Formal education, training programs, workshops, seminars, and self-managed learning
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Presenting members with high quality practical services and product options that support business and operations
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Information regarding our biennial Employment Services Workforce Survey
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Consulting and capacity building projects that complement our member services and advocacy
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Expert advisors who work alongside governments and organisations providing advisory services in policy design and implementation
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NESA’s submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable highlights the urgent need for a national strategy to address the growing burden of red and green tape that is undermining productivity across Australian industries and public services.
NESA has provided a comprehensive submission in response to the draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines for the new Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES)…
NESA has made a submission to DEWR regarding the draft grant opportunity guidelines for the new REAL program…
Australia at Work: The Next Chapter sets the stage for the 2026 NESA National Conference, bringing together the people, ideas, and insights shaping the future of employment services. Join sector leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across the country for two days of connection, capability building, and forward-focused conversation.
Since their inception in 2004, the NESA Awards for Excellence have celebrated the dedication, innovation, and professionalism of the employment services sector in driving economic and social well-being for individuals, families, and communities through inclusive employment opportunities.
NESA MEMBERS DELIVER A BROAD RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
Employment services currently includes three major programs – Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services which supports people with disability and the Community Development Program which supports people in remote Australia.
The major employment services are supported by a range of complementary programs which provide more specialised and targeted support for cohort groups such as ParentsNext – working with parents returning to the workforce, Transition to Work – a youth focussed program, Career Transition Assistance – supporting mature aged participants, Self Employment Assistance – supporting people interested in starting their own business or refocusing an existing small business, and State based programs. These programs operate alongside the major programs.