POLICY PLATFORM
Fair Go Funding
Reduce Red Tape
Good Government Stewardship
Safe & Supported Workforce
Goal:
A fairer funding model that reflects the real cost of delivering employment services
Priorities:
- Fair Work Commission review of the Labour Market Assistance Industry Award to address low award wages for the employment services workforce
- Fund providers to pay staff on the same basis as government pays its own workforce for the same work, including annual CPI increases
- Government publicly release independent financial analysis (including financial viability) of new programs based on the real cost of doing business.
Goal:
Cut front line workers’ administrative burden from 53% to under 30% and free them up to focus on job seekers
Priorities:
- Set targets to reduce administrative burden by 20%, with a time and motion study to track progress
- Build critical IT functionality for providers so the system is fit for purpose
- Streamline the assurance processes to reduce overburdensome manual compliance and evidence gathering.
- Grant longer licenses for 5 years or more that automatically roll over unless providers are underperforming.
Goal:
Government is publicly accountable for its stewarding and performance within the employment services system
Priorities:
- Establish an Employment Services Act to legislate Government’s role, governance and accountability, for the employment services system, with binding principles guiding government decision-making and stewardship
- Deliver a performance framework that holds Government to account to the same degree as external providers
- Establish and publish performance measures for Government as ‘steward and provider’ of employment services
- Trial all new provider performance frameworks for at least 6 months prior to publication on a ‘try, test and learn’ basis.
Goal:
Providers are specifically funded for safety and security measures for staff
Priorities:
- Fund safety and security measures for front line employment services staff, on the same basis as Government funds its own services
- Change policy to enable a provider to immediately transfer a job seeker to a digital (or other) service where there is immediate risk of harm or injury to staff or other clients, and to Services Australia for assessment of support needs.
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MORE INFORMATION
Fair Go Funding:
Outsourced services represent far greater value for money than services delivered by government directly. Yet government funding of external providers has remained static and is based on low Award rates by the body set up by government to determine Awards. Funding agreements don’t reflect the real cost of supporting job seekers into work.
Reduce Red Tape:
Reducing administrative work frees up front line workers to do their primary job – helping people get jobs!
In Workforce Australia, front line workers spend 53% of their time on administrative and compliance tasks set by government. This burden has increased more than 20% in the last two years, from 32% under jobactive to 53%. Much of the burden has been caused by introduction of a new IT system that is not fit for purpose.
Good Government Stewardship:
Good government stewards consider the consequences of their actions, and impacts on others. Government’s current ‘punitive and transactional’ mindset has devastating consequences for charities, businesses and Australia’s job seekers. For government to effectively and efficiently run the employment services system, it must give public account, and be held responsible for how diligently, and carefully it is stewarding the employment services system.
Safe & Supported Workforce:
Frontline public employment services staff often put their lives on the line. 72% of the workforce identifies as female, yet every day they walk into the service to help people and face the possibility of having to work with a job seeker that will either physically or verbally abuse them.
The psychological harm inflicted has a long-term impact, not only on them, but also their families. Yet, they have little or sometimes no ability to immediately refuse service to someone who has hurt or threatened them.
Advocacy Toolkit: How to Guide
Contacting Members of Parliament (MPs):
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Find Your MP:
- Visit the official Parliament website to get your MP’s contact information at Senators & Members Search Results – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)
- Use the Template Letters:
- Open the provided template letter and personalize it with your name, local context, and any specific concerns you have.
- Include where you can good news stories or data about your local impact
- Send Your Letter:
- Email or mail the customized letter to your MP’s office.
- Optionally, call the office to confirm receipt and express your willingness to discuss further.
Quick Tips:
- Be concise and focus on one or two key issues showing your impact.
- Always include your local address to show you are an organisation operating within their electorate.
Navigating the Policy Platform:
How to Use:
- Login and Explore:
- Go to the NESA website. Browse through the various issues and policies our campaign supports.
- Read Policy Platform and any supporting fact sheets:
- Click on each policy to access detailed briefs, fact sheets, and supporting research.
Quick Tips:
- Use the policy platforms and supporting information when preparing to speak with MPs or the media.
- Share the platform link and one page flyer with others to spread awareness.
Leveraging Talking Points:
How to Apply:
- Review the Talking Points:
- Open the talking points document in the toolkit and familiarize yourself with the main messages.
- Use in Discussions:
- Incorporate these points in conversations with MPs, during interviews, or at public events.
- Stay Consistent:
- Keep your language and messaging aligned with the talking points to ensure a unified voice.
Quick Tips:
- Share local good news stories about job seekers (with their consent).
- Adapt the talking points to include how the policy issues impact your front-line workers, and job seekers at your local employment service.
Boosting the Campaign on Social Media:
How to Engage:
- Access Social Media Resources:
- Download campaign graphics, suggested post text, and hashtags from the toolkit.
- Create and Share Content:
- Post updates about the campaign, use campaign hashtags, and share personal stories to build engagement.
- Tag and Interact:
- Tag MPs, local influencers, and relevant organizations. Respond to comments and encourage others to share.
Quick Tips:
- Use visuals and local stories to make posts more compelling.
Support and Assistance
For any questions or help with the toolkit, contact our support team at policy@nesa.com.au.
We’re here to support your advocacy efforts!
