Opportunity for everyone through employment and inclusion
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.
Our services
Policy papers and submissions
Copies of our policy papers and submissions to government inquiries
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Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
Information regarding our advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities
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NESA Events
Provides timely information about sector-relevant events as they arise - conferences, forums and retreats
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Professional Development
Formal education, training programs, workshops, seminars, and self-managed learning
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Industry Partners
Presenting members with high quality practical services and product options that support business and operations
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Employment Services Workforce Survey
Information regarding our biennial Employment Services Workforce Survey
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Capacity Building
Consulting and capacity building projects that complement our member services and advocacy
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International
Expert advisors who work alongside governments and organisations providing advisory services in policy design and implementation
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Meet our Industry Partners
Thank you for your Support
Latest NESA publications
PUBLIC
APR 2025 | NESA SUBMISSION
NESA has provided a comprehensive submission in response to the draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines for the new Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES)…
PUBLIC
APR 2025 | NESA SUBMISSION
NESA has made a submission to DEWR regarding the draft grant opportunity guidelines for the new REAL program…
PUBLIC
FEB 2025 | NESA SUBMISSION
NESA has responded to the Department of Employer and Workplace Relations’ Discussion paper regarding their new complaints process recently launched for people using Workforce Australia pre-employment and employment services…
Upcoming NESA Events

NESA Leadership Retreat
An exclusive two-day event designed for CEOs, Senior Executives, and Managers in the employment and related services sectors. Held at The Langham Hotel, Sydney, on November 11–12, this retreat provides an immersive opportunity to explore your personal leadership style and motivation, navigate uncertainty and ambiguity with confidence, and grow your self-awareness and EQ.

Corporate Services Summit 2026
Designed for CFOs and corporate services professionals to enhance business performance and strengthen the workforce. Through expert-led discussions and networking opportunities, the event will equip finance, operational and HR leaders with practical insights to increase operational efficiency, financial resilience and risk readiness.
February 2026
Details to be confimed

NESA 2026 AI Summit
The NESA AI Summit will bring together leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across the employment services sector to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in workforce development. This forward-focused event will unpack emerging technologies, data-driven insights, and ethical frameworks shaping the future of service delivery, client engagement, and operational efficiency. We anticipate up to 100 attendees at the AI Summit
March 2026
Details to be confimed
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Become a NESA member
NESA MEMBERS DELIVER A BROAD RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
AS OF FEB 2025
AS OF FEB 2025
AS OF FEB 2025
Employment Services 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.