COVID-19 MEMBER SUPPORT
13 APRIL 2021
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja – Greater Geraldton Local Government Area, WA
The Australian Government has announced that mutual obligation requirements have been temporarily suspended for job seekers and participants in Western Australia affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja.
These arrangements apply in the Local Government Area of Greater Geraldton, Western Australia from Monday, 12 April 2021 until Tuesday, 20 April 2021, inclusive.
Job seekers and participants across employment services programs – jobactive, Online Employment Services, Disability Employment Services and ParentsNext will have their mutual obligation requirements lifted for this period.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency will advise their Community Development Program providers separately on its contingency arrangements.
For further advice please refer to the most recent CEO Letter.
National Disability Employment Strategy – Public Consultation
Public consultation to support the development of the National Disability Employment Strategy is now live on DSS Engage. Providers are encouraged to have their say to shape the Employment Strategy to ensure it is well designed to achieve meaningful change. Click here to access the consultation paper.
Please note, public consultation closes Monday 17 May 2021 at 9am (AEST).
NESA Post-Budget Leadership Forum – Save the Date!!!!
24 FEBRUARY 2021
Changes to Mutual Obligation and Face to Face Servicing Requirements
We are keen to hear member reflections, particularly in response to:
1. $9B commitment to the Social Security Safety Net as announced by the Prime Minister
2. Key areas covered in the DESE CEO Livestream, including:
- Resumption of Mandatory Servicing — from 9 March 2021
- Increased Job Search Requirements and Quality Assurance — from early April 2021
- New Employer Reporting Line — from early April 2021
- Stronger Contractual Action to Drive Performance — from early April 2021
- New Activity for Job Seekers After 6 Months — from October 2021
- General feedback and other areas of concern/priority
3. Q&A
**We note, these announcements are in reference to programs that sit under the DESE remit.
DSS have provided a short summary outlining:
In early April 2021, the number of job searches a job seeker can be required to undertake will rise from 8 to 15, returning to 20 jobs per month from early July 2021. Job search requirements must be based on each job seeker’s capacity, and providers can set a reduced number of job searches per month where required, as set out on pages 18-19 of the DES Managing and Monitoring Mutual Obligation Requirements Guidelines.
DES providers should deliver services face-to-face where it is safe to do so, but remote servicing options will continue to be available where required.
NESA is seeking clarity on program arrangements from NIAA regarding CDP.
DSS Provider Teleconferences
Last Friday (19 February 2021) DSS hosted two Provider Teleconference sessions to discuss:
- Suspension of DES Star Ratings
- Development of alternative performance data
- Suspension of the formal performance assessment
- 2021 and beyond
15 FEBRUARY 2021
COVID-19 — VICTORIA
Following the Victorian Government’s decision to enter a snap lockdown, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash and Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, have temporarily lifted mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in Victoria. These arrangements will be in place from 12 February 2021 until Monday 22 February 2021.
Please refer to the CEO letter for further information.
Skills Reform: Register for a workshop to have your say on quality reforms
A series of online workshops have been released to help you have your say on quality reforms in the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
These workshops are designed for anyone who wants to provide feedback in relation to RTO practices and factors that support high-quality training delivery.
The quality reforms workshops seek your input to explore:
- The features of high-quality training delivery and providers
- The effectiveness of the current Standards for RTOs
- How to support the VET workforce for high-quality delivery.
DESE are interested in hearing your views on how they can support high-quality training delivery beyond compliance with minimum requirements and foster a shared understanding of quality across the sector. Find out more at www.skillsreform.gov.au.
Quality Reform Workshops
Dates/times available:
Thursday, 18 February 2021, 10:00 – 11:30am AEDT
Thursday, 18 February 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm AEDT
Friday, 19 February 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm AEDT
Monday, 22 February 2021, 4:00 – 5:30pm AEDT
Tuesday, 23 February 2021, 11:00 – 12:30pm AEDT
Friday, 26 February 2021, 10:00 – 11:30am AEDT
Tuesday, 2 March 2021, 10:00 – 11:30am AEDT
Wednesday, 3 March 2021, 10:00 – 11:30am AEDT
Quality Reform Workshop for students and family/carers:
Wednesday, 3 March 2021, 4:00 – 5:30pm AEDT
Quality reform workshops (standards):
Wednesday 10 March 2021, 10:00 – 12:00pm AEDT
Thursday 11 March 2021, 3:00 – 5:00pm AEDT
3 FEBRUARY 2021
Suspension of Star Ratings and alternate performance arrangements
Today DESE and DSS have advised of their decision to suspend the Star Ratings until further notice.
As a consequence of suspending the DES Star Ratings, DSS will also delay undertaking the DES provider formal performance assessment. Shortly, DSS will be inviting providers to participate in upcoming teleconferences to discuss the impacts of these decisions.
For jobactive, in the absence of December 2020 Star Ratings DESE has determined to start the review of Performance Period 11 at the end of February. Providers should expect to receive performance feedback letters by mid−March 2021. jobactive providers will have an opportunity to hear further on this from DESE on Friday (5 February 2021) at the CEO Livestream. In addition, NESA has requested that DESE run specific webinars and virtual forums to discuss the impacts of the suspension of the December Star Ratings and we expect them to announce their approach to specific consultation at this Friday’s Livestream.
Click here to access copies of the DESE and DSS CEO Letters for further detail.
Following these announcements NESA is preparing a response therefore we are keen to hear from members in relation to any questions or concerns you may have. Please provide feedback to the Policy Team by COB 5 February 2021.
Servicing Participants with Challenging Behaviours Workshop
Today NESA and DESE co-hosted the first Servicing Participants with Challenging Behaviours Workshop for 2021.
The meeting included presentations from NESA, providers, Services Australia and the Department. Discussions focused on supporting the sector, providers’ shared experiences over the last 12 months, frontline staff resilience, mental health, case studies, management solutions implemented by providers and Services Australia. Outcomes from discussions will inform program, guideline and service delivery improvement.
There is a dedicated Servicing Participants with Challenging Behaviours page available on the Provider Portal. This provides a number of resources to support staff to manage challenging instances or events. This information can be accessed via: https://ecsnaccess.gov.au/ProviderPortal/jobactive/Guidelines/Pages/Servicing-Participants-with-Challenging-Behaviours.aspx
We also encourage members to review the current suite of NESA Professional Development opportunities to equip staff with necessary skills to manage participants and strengthen personal coping techniques.
1 FEBRUARY 2021
Pre-Budget Submission
NESA has provided 17 recommendations focused on 5 key topic areas:
- A Full and Inclusive Recovery
- Establishing New Employment Services
- Disability Employment Services
- Stewardship of Australian Employment Services & Competitive Neutrality
- Promoting Excellence in Employment Assistance and Labour Market Policy
Mutual Obligation Requirements for WA
These arrangements mean all mutual obligation requirements will be voluntary— no compliance action will be taken and no one’s payments will be suspended. Jobseekers will not be penalised for not meeting their mutual obligation requirements, such as signing their Job Plan, attending, or reporting their attendance at appointments or activities.
Special Circumstances Exemptions continue to be available through Services Australia for participants who require them. An SMS will be sent directly to jobseekers advising them of this update.
Further details of the announcement are available at Supporting Western Australia through COVID-19 | Ministers’ Media Centre (dese.gov.au) and a copy of the DESE CEO Letter can be accessed here.
Right Fit For Risk
DESE’s expectation is that auditors will do a single two stage audit based on a mapping of approximately 560 ISM controls to the 114 Annex A controls that make up international ISO27001. What’s happening in the field is that many auditors don’t seem to have an understanding of this concept, and are instead suggesting that they will audit compliance against the ISO27001 standards and then, at some later time, return to audit against the ISM controls.
The issue was first raised with DESE by members of our RFFR Community of Practice during a live Q and A in late 2020. DESE undertook to have further discussions with the auditors accreditation body – the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). These discussions have been continuing and NESA will have further discussions with DESE this week. DESE have also agreed to participate in another live Q and A session. This will be invaluable for all members and will be held in mid-late February.
NESA have also requested more information on:
- the ‘self-assessment’ approach for ‘small’ organisations (those with a caseload < 2000).
- Timeframes for organisations who only deliver e.g. DES and/or Parents Next – who are not intending to participate in a jobactive purchasing process in 2021.
- Proposed arrangements for organisations who may look to enter the employment services sector for the first time during the 2021 jobactive purchasing process.
jobactive
Immediate concerns include the lack of communication to the sector on the change, limited availability of supporting information/portal information, impacts to outcomes, the retrospective nature of the change and the increased potential for error/discrepancy between job seeker reporting versus provider reporting.
DES
DSS are yet to provide any further updates or information regarding the DES Industry Information Paper. NESA will keep members informed of next steps as information comes to hand.
CDP
The next NESA CDP Monthly Meeting is being held 12 February 2021 – 2.30pm AEDT. Please email Alicia Weiderman to register your attendance.
NESA Board Update
Natalie is the CEO of Campbell Page, delivering a range of employment services, such as jobactive, DES, ParentsNext and NCAP, as well as Labour Hire, Indigenous, youth and community services. Natalie has 25 years’ experience in the employment services sector and prior to Campbell Page, she was COO of VERTO and Executive General Manager with Jobfind Centres Australia.
Lisa has been the CEO of the Wirrpanda Foundation for over 13 years delivering CDP, ParentsNext, Transition to Work and VTEC as well as various education programs and the Wirra Hub which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to build their business capacity. Prior to leading the Wirrpanda Foundation, Lisa was State Manager, AFL Sportsready, a not-for-profit company committed to supporting young Australians to develop their careers.
The 10th iteration of the Australian Employment Services Workforce Survey of Remuneration & Human Resource Management Performance Report 2020 is a must have publication for every employment service provider.
This essential benchmarking publication, conducted in conjunction with Maguire Consulting, has been tracking the growth and evolution of the Employment Services Sector since 2000.
If you have any questions about the survey please contact Paul Maguire
8 JANUARY 2021
NESA Response to DSS 2020 Formal Performance Assessment – Draft Industry Information Paper
As you will be aware prior to the Christmas Closure Period, DSS released the 2020 Formal Performance Assessment – Draft Industry Information Paper.
Thank you to all of the members who contributed to our response on behalf of the sector, click here to read our submission.
ES Remuneration Survey (10th Edition) – Now Available for Purchase!
NESA, in conjunction with Maguire Consulting are pleased to announce the publication of:
This is the 10th iteration of NESA’s essential benchmarking publication which has been tracking the growth and evolution of the Employment Services Sector since 2000. This is a must have publication for every employment service provider.
If you have any questions about the survey please contact Paul Maguire
15 DECEMBER 2020
DESE Update
IT Overpayments
Following DESE’s recent communication to CEO’s, NESA has responded with immediate feedback regarding the recovery of overpayments, including both the quantum and timing of the measures.
In addition to the financial impacts following this decision will have NESA has highlighted and reiterated to DESE the IT system issues that occurred at the time and were raised and addressed via the NESA IT Reference Group.
We will keep members updated with any updates and progress. In the mean time, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Policy Team to provide any feedback.
NESA’s response to the NESM Payment Model
Following the DESE webinar on 10 November 2020 NESA provided a formal submission on the NESM Payment Model, our key recommendations include:
- Increased to be equal to 100% of 4 current jobactive Administration payments plus CPI to maintain real investment levels in transition to NESM, and
- Paid every two years the job seeker remains in service rather than being a one-time payment, and
- Include Regional Loadings
- There needs to be transparency in the JSCI thresholds set for payments
- There needs to be transparency and consultation with the sector if any changes to the thresholds are proposed
- The thresholds should be set using a transparent evidentiary approach to probability of achieving an employment outcome (not budget)
- The job seekers highest JSCI score during their period of service should be used to determine outcome level eligibility
Changes to Taper Rates and Cessation of Re-Balanced Fees
Additionally, following our recent member surveys, NESA has provided a briefing note to DESE in relation to the changes to Taper Rates and cessation of the re-balancing of service and outcome fees. Our feedback highlighted:
Taper Rates
- financial and performance implications and impacts to providers resulting from the changes and extension of the arrangements
- current state of the labour market including casualisation and wage variance between metro versus regional areas
- uncertainty about the permanency of the arrangements
- lack of departmental support and informative communication
- impacts of JobKeeper and the Coronavirus Supplement on outcomes following these changes
- the revenue gap as a result of COVID-19
- impacts of extended periods of lifted Mutual Obligation
- impacts of Federal Budget initiatives that do not meet jobactive outcome requirements
- increased caseloads
- impacts within Victoria resulting from the bushfires and 112 days of lockdown
DES Industry Information Paper
NESA is hearing from members regarding the DSS DRAFT Industry Information Paper: Formal Performance Assessment.
NESA would like to extend the opportunity for all DES members to provide feedback to inform our response. We are keen to understand:
- Feedback in relation to the areas covered within the paper (i.e. scope, assessment principles, extenuating circumstances etc)
- Questions the paper has raised for your organisation e.g. in scope services refers to Star Ratings – are these at the Site or Contract Level?
- Issues/challenges DES members have experienced since the implementation of DES 2018 in relation to:
- Star Ratings
- Performance Management
- Departmental Engagement and Communication
- Any other priority areas you would like highlighted
- General feedback
- Suggestions for alternatives arrangements/solutions regarding IIP
- Based on the draft in its current form – any early insights into the potential impacts to your organisation should the department progress as outlined
Please provide feedback to vanessap@nesa.com.au, alternatively if you would like to discuss your feedback please contact Vanessa to arrange a time. We are seeking your input by COB 17 December 2020, noting DES are now accepting comments until COB Friday, 8 January 2021 following NESA discussions with DSS.
Meeting with Minister Wyatt and NESA CDP Members
Discussions centered around:
- the need to remain focused on employment
- ensuring that our work is connected to skills in demand
- ensuring our remote communities are connected to emerging industries and future opportunities
- the real financial challenges faced by Government moving forward
- feedback on the key role CDP played during the initial pandemic response in remote Australia
- the need to ensure that performance measures support and drive the outcomes being sought by Government, providers and the community
- opportunities to continue to grow the program to respond to community and economic need.
The ES Workforce Survey of Remuneration & HRM Performance 2020 – Pre-Order Now!
NESA, in conjunction with Maguire Consulting are pleased to announce the release of the Australian Employment Services Workforce Survey of Remuneration and Human Resource Management Performance 2020.
This is the 10th iteration of NESA’s essential benchmarking publication, which has been tracking the growth and evolution of the Employment Services Sector since 2000.
- The report contains detailed data on salary evolution, recruitment and retention, and workforce demographics, essential for comparing your performance and consolidating your business strategies in the employment services sector.
- The data was gathered from a representative sample of participating organisations employing a total of 10,765 employees in 1,279 branch offices throughout Australia.
- The report reveals significant trends in staff turnover, salary movements and bonus and incentive payments, and offers calculations on the cost of employment, staff induction and training and staff replacement.
- This latest survey in the series has also surveyed the impact of COVID-19 emergency measures on the employment services workforce.
Report Prices
Organisations that HAVE PARTICIPATED in survey:
$815.00 – for NESA Members
$1185.00 – for Non NESA Members
Organisations that HAVE NOT PARTICIPATED in survey:
$1355.00 – for NESA Members
$1695.00 – for Non NESA Members
VET Skills Reform
Under the Heads of Agreement for Skills Reform, Skills Ministers have agreed to immediately progress reforms in the following areas:
- Strengthening the role of industry and employers
- Improving VET qualifications
- Raising the quality of training
These reforms are the next step in improving the VET system, continuing the work undertaken through reviews and consultations over the past 18 months.
The new engagement hub for these Skills Reform activities has now been launched. For more information please visit skillsreform.gov.au.
Skillsreform.gov.au will provide information and consultation opportunities for the three immediate reform areas and is a central location to stay informed, be engaged and provide feedback throughout the consultation process.
Consultations will primarily occur through skillsreform.gov.au via discussion papers, surveys and online workshops. Feedback provided will be considered by Skills Ministers and inform decisions on future arrangements.
- The first discussion paper on industry engagement and qualification reform is live now for you to consider and submit responses through the online submission form.
- A pulse survey on qualification reform is live, seeking your views on qualification design elements and objectives
- Two papers and initial surveys on quality reform are also published on the engagement hub.
We encourage members to engage in the consultation process.This is just the beginning with further consultation activities, and supporting information to be released into 2021.
1 DECEMBER 2020
Boston Consulting Group Survey
As you may be aware, the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the Department) is in the process of designing and implementing the New Employment Services Model (NESM) to replace the current jobactive program in July 2022. The Department has engaged Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to develop a change management plan to assist the rollout of the new model. As part of this work, BCG are seeking input from organisations who may be interested in entering the NESM market in 2022. This may include service providers operating within the Disability Employment Services (DES) program, the Community Development Program (CDP), or other related programs.
Organisations not currently contracted by the Department are asked to provide feedback through this survey on the DESE website. This survey will be critical to informing how the Department engages with potential entrants over the next 18 months.
A separate survey has been sent directly to providers of DESE programs (e.g. jobactive, Transition to Work, ParentsNext etc) – if you support one of those programs, no need to fill in two surveys.
Survey responses are due Tuesday 8th December 2020.
Please note: Participation in this survey is voluntary and is not a requirement of future participation in the NESM. Solicitation of feedback and response does not imply any advantage or disadvantage for providers. This survey does not imply that any decisions have been made regarding the final design of NESM, nor does it provide a commitment or guarantee on future licensing or participation by providers.
If you have any questions about the survey or this process please don’t hesitate to contact NESMChangeManagementSurvey@bcg.com
Departmental Shutdown Advice
DESE and DSS have advised they will be closed from 12:30 pm local time (12:00 pm for Northern Territory) on Thursday, 24 December 2020 and re-open on Monday, 4 January 2021.
NIAA will be closed from 5 pm local time on Thursday 21 December 2020 and will reopen at 8:30 am local time on Monday 4 January 2021. There will be no CDP IT system or operational support during this period.
Click here to access DESE and DSS Departmental Shutdown Advice Documents
26 NOVEMBER 2020
NESA Annual Report 2019-20
In a year of great challenge and adversity NESA advocated for support and stability to enable our sector to continue to support vulnerable job seekers, many of whom did not anticipate finding themselves as part of the 1.4 million unemployed Australians.
We are proud to be associated with our Members, supporting the most disadvantaged Australian job seekers – including mature aged, youth, people with disability, Indigenous Australians, single parents, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and recent migrants and refugees whether they are in urban, rural, regional or remote Australia. It is work that demands care, empathy, skill, resilience, innovation and vision.
We invite you to explore our Annual Report for a summary of how we have achieved influential representation and advocacy, and effective member support and capacity development. Be sure to read the selection of member good news stories that highlight the work of our members and their impact on transforming lives.
Over the next 12 months NESA remains committed to being a strong voice in championing the future of our sector.
We look forward to working with you over the coming year to achieve our shared vision of opportunity for everyone through employment and inclusion.
JobMaker Hiring Credit Consultation
As you may be aware, Treasury released an Exposure Draft of the JobMaker Hiring Credit Rules – this is currently open for consultation.
The disability peak bodies on the DSS DES Reference Group were dismayed at the exclusion of young people on the DSP from the JobMaker Scheme, noting the high rates of unemployment of people with disability. As a result, a joint submission was developed.
Click here to read an embargoed and confidential draft copy of the joint submission calling for the JobMaker Rules to be extended to those receiving the DSP. We are inviting members to join as endorsing organisations to this joint submission.
If you wish to join as an endorsing organisation, please email Giancarlo de Vera, Senior Policy Officer at People with Disability Australia at giancarlod@pwd.org.au by midday tomorrow, 27 November 2020.
20 NOVEMBER 2020
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30 OCTOBER 2020
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16 OCTOBER 2020
Prior to the budget announcements last week I was interviewed by ABC PM Radio highlighting the need for an inclusive program in the form of a jobs guarantee for disadvantaged job seekers to enable access to employment opportunities or pathways to sustainable employment.
Post-budget, I was interviewed by ABC NewsRadio discussing the removal of $1.4b in funding from employment services at a critical point in time when there should be significant investment.
A number of regional publications also picked up my insights into the current Harvest Labour Shortage raising the need for greater awareness of harvest trail opportunities along with more flexible incentive schemes to meet demand and fill agriculture positions.
As highlighted in our recent member consultation sessions, NESA continues to work on demonstrating the impact and support our sector provides to individuals everyday. I strongly encourage you to contact Ting Cheng-Haines to provide any case studies and good news stories that can be used in our media campaign. Thank you to those members who continue to provide regular submissions.
jobactive
DESE has provided an overview of the key 2020-21 budget announcements at their most recent forum and in their CEO Letter. NESA continues to work with all departments’ to gain clarity and insights on these arrangements, we will continue to keep members informed as information becomes available.
DESE has also written to providers outlining the role of Harvest Trail Service providers in the implementation of the More Relocation Support for Agricultural Workers 2020-21 Budget measure.
DES
At the Peak Body Working Group held 8 October 2020, DSS provided some current program data insights following the Budget announcements and in response to issues raised in the meeting. The information covers: caseload overview, communications to participants, ESAt referrals and cancellations and Star Ratings.
Yesterday DSS wrote to CEO’s outlining key changes effective from 1 November 2020 (excluding Victoria), in summary:
- DES sites should normally be open for business and fully operational. Providers should notify their Relationship Manager if sites need to remain closed.
- Extended permissible breaks may no longer be used.
- Participants must work at least 8 hours per week on average to continue receiving Ongoing Support as required by clause 122.2 of the DES Grant Agreement. This requirement does not apply to participants who commenced their period of Ongoing Support before 1 July 2018.
- Ongoing Support Assessments are expected to be conducted in person unless a remote assessment is required.
Remote delivery of contacts remains available across Australia, but participants in most of Australia can opt to receive contacts face to face. In Victoria, face to face delivery is available where the provider considers it is essential.
Providers must continue to take notice of prevailing health advice and requirements in each location, and should adjust services and requirements accordingly. Providers can continue to turn away individuals they consider a COVID-19 risk to staff and other participants.
Please contact the NESA Policy Team if you have questions or comments regarding the end of DES flexibilities.
Lastly, DSS are hosting the next round of provider Teleconferences next week:
- Thursday 22 October 2020 – 11.30am AEDST
- Friday 23 October 2020 – 2pm AEDST
CDP
Proposed Meeting with Minister Wyatt
NESA are progressing with discussions with Minister Wyatt’s office to set a date for an online discussion regarding the future of the Community Development Program. It is expected this forum will be held before the end of the year.
Full Servicing Resumes in the Community Development Program
The Community Development Program will return to full servicing from Monday 19 October 2020. From this period, all organisations will resume the pre-COVID payment model. Organisations are reminded that compliance action should only be taken as a last resort with job seekers.
If you require more information, please contact Alicia Weiderman.
Right Fit For Risk Interest Group – Update
NESA’s Right Fit For Risk Interest Group now has 80 members, and there was plenty of action yesterday when we hosted the first of our ‘live’ Q&A Forum with DESE’s Dr Nicky Antonius and Michelle Penalurick .
The one-hour forum went for two hours and showed no signs of slowing down by the time stumps were drawn! The feedback has been terrific – many of our members wrote to say that they gained a lot from the session.
There were plenty of questions on the ‘customised’ vs ‘standard’ ISO27001, and plenty of discussion around the 560 ISM controls and the ‘Essential Eight’ that providers are addressing as part of the Employment Systems Assurance Framework.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Damien Opolski
REMINDER! Employment Services Workforce Survey of Remuneration & HRM Performance 2020
The Biennial Survey of Remuneration Benchmarks and HRM Performance in the Australian Employment Services Sector 2020 is up and running.
We have received a great response so far and strongly encourage all members to participate in the survey.
Data collected this year on the impact of COVID-19 emergency measures will provide valuable insights informing how NESA represents your interests to the Australian government. There is also a valuable financial reward for participation in the form of exclusive discounts (up to 40%) on the purchase price of the Report published in December 2020.
The survey closes 2 November 2020.
If you can’t locate the invitation please contact salarysurvey@maguire.com.au.
If you have any questions or you do not wish to participate in the Survey please contact Maguire Consulting
Special Announcement
This week NESA has written to member Organisation Representatives to share a significant development which has the potential to reshape the future of our organisation, in a way that will make us better placed to represent your interests and deliver quality services.
After lengthy deliberation, our Board has agreed to explore the possibility of a merger with Jobs Australia (JA).
The Board sincerely believes this represents a positive step for our organisation and our Members. NESA and Jobs Australia are like minded organisations with similar visions that support and represent our Members in providing diverse employment services, employment pathways and training pathways. We both provide a suite of services and benefits to our membership.
We will continue to keep members informed of developments throughout this process.
Click here to read our FAQ
While this is potentially a major milestone for our organisation, I can assure you we will not be distracted from our existing day to day focus on representing and servicing the needs of our Members.
2 OCTOBER 2020
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18 SEPTEMBER 2020
The official ABS unemployment rate has fallen from 7.5 per cent in July to 6.8 per cent in August, with 111,000 jobs created last month. The percentage of underemployed people, who wanted to work more hours than they did, remained steady at 11.2 per cent. Total hours worked rose 1.6 per cent last month but is still down 5.1 per cent on August last year.
Whilst these latest statistics are surprising and encouraging we continue to face ongoing challenges and pressures as we transition into the next phase of key financial supports at the end of this month.
NESA also continues to highlight the impacts of the retention of job seekers in the Online Employment Service, click here to read a recent article published in The Sydney Morning Herald.
COVID-19 – Gradual Return to Mutual Obligation Requirements
Today Minister’s Cash and Ruston announced a further phase in the return of mutual obligation requirements will be introduced. From 28 September 2020 job seekers will be required to:
- participate in appointments with an employment services provider,
- agree to their Job Plan,
- undertake eight job searches a month,
- attend agreed activities (where it is safe to do so), and
- accept any offer of suitable work. Work for the Dole will resume where activities are available, it is safe to participate and all health and safety requirements are met.
Additionally, as outlined in the most recent jobactive CEO Letter and updated DES FAQ V1.17:
- Job seekers will now have the option to opt in for face-to-face servicing, in addition to the alternative servicing methods (over the phone, online, by video conferencing) currently available. Further details around these arrangements in jobactive can be found in the attached Direction on return to Face-to-Face Service Delivery
- Mutual obligation arrangements will remain suspended in Victoria during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
- The changes to JobKeeper Payment, will mean that some job seekers on your caseload will be concurrently receiving JobKeeper Payment and JobSeeker Payment. Job seekers in receipt of both payments will have mutual obligation requirements.
- Job seekers affected by COVID-19 may seek an exemption from their mutual obligation requirements from Services Australia.
- The Government is also increasing opportunities for job seekers to train and upskill by providing additional flexibility for job seekers to count education and training towards their mutual obligation requirements.
- The next CEO Livestream about these changes will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 22 September 2020.
- To support the resumption of MO, DESE will host a series of webinars which will also be available to DES providers.
For CDP, the current increased servicing arrangements will continue. NIAA will write to providers when full servicing will commence in your region. At this stage Providers should not increase the level of servicing in your region until you have been advised by NIAA. In the interim, providers should be preparing to resume full CDP servicing, such as:
- establish COVID-19 safe work plans
- up-to-date risk plans
- where required, have adequate Personal Protective Equipment available for staff and job seekers
- continue to review CDP activities to align with feedback from communities, Community Advisory Boards, local industries and employers
- continue to review job plans
- engage Host Organisations over the phone, online or face-to-face where it is safe to do so
- seek out local industries and employers to understand their recruitment needs, and be ready to connect jobs seekers with any immediate employment or work experience opportunities.
Should you have any feedback or queries in relation to these arrangements, please contact Vanessa Puopolo for jobactive/DES or Alicia Weiderman for CDP.
Member Consultation Sessions
Whilst the team have continued to engage with members individually since the beginning of the pandemic, we think it’s time to come together for a collective discussion, general update and consultation around the Proposed licensing system for the New Employment Services Model paper.
We have scheduled a number of sessions commencing in September – early October and invite you/a nominated representative to participate in these discussions.
Session Schedule
Wednesday 23 September
Session 1 – 10am – 11.30am AEST – jobactive
Thursday 24 September
Session 2 – 2.00pm – 3.30pm AEST – DES
Tuesday 29 September
Session 3 – 3.00pm – 4.30pm AEST – Complementary Programs (CTA, EST, TWES, Parentsnext)
Wednesday 30 September
Session 4 – 10am – 11.30am AEST – jobactive
Wednesday 7 October
Session 5 – 2.00pm – 3.30pm AEDT – DES
Thursday 8 October
Session 6 – 2.00pm – 3.30pm AEDT – Complementary Programs (CTA, EST, TWES, Parentsnext)
Friday 9 October
Session 7 – 2.30pm – 3.30pm AEDT – *CDP Monthly Teleconference
Wednesday 14 October
Session 8 – 10am – 11.30am AEDT – All programs
Please note:
- You are welcome to attend any of the sessions at a time that suits your diary however you may note the sessions are flagged by program type and we anticipate majority of the discussion will focus on the nominated program.
- Due to the size limitation (Max.10 per session) please register one attendee per organisation only – each session will be repeated. We will advise if your nominated session is not available asap.
- All meetings will be hosted via Zoom (excluding CDP), details will be sent to you prior to the meeting.
Please RSVP to Vanessa Puopolo (vanessap@nesa.com.au) with your preferred session time.
Farewell Matt Clarke
Today NESA’s Deputy CEO Matt Clarke is leaving NESA to take up a position as CEO of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Employment and Training subsidiary, NET.
Over the past 7 nearly 8 years Matt has made an invaluable contribution to NESA, our members and key stakeholders, including being instrumental in successfully delivering large projects for NESA People Solutions in remote Australia. His passion and commitment to supporting Indigenous communities is well known.
The team at NESA wishes Matt all the best in his new role and for the future.
14 SEPTEMBER 2020
Also, NESA’s Letter to the Editor was published in The Saturday Paper in response to Rick Morton’s article. The response was in addition to a detailed briefing note addressing the many inaccuracies in Mr Morton’s report.
Would you like to join the NESA Right Fit for Risk (RFFR) Interest Group?
Employment services providers require RFFR accreditation to be ‘tender ready’ for non-remote employment services in 2022 and beyond. Medium size organisations (caseloads of 2,000 – 10,000) are required to complete their Stage 1 report and SOA by October 2020, and small organisations (caseloads up to 2,000), are due to complete this stage in April 2021.
NESA is setting up an informal support group to give organisations the opportunity to meet with others in the sector going through the same process. It’s simply a chance to come together, make some contacts, share thoughts and perhaps ask questions of other providers. We’ll catch up over Zoom, and our first gathering will be on Thursday 1 October at 11.00 – 12.00 AEST.
If you like to come along we’d love to see you!
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqdu-qqjouG9WVMUZNGV6CNdE-7ivhlNBw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please contact Damien Opolski (damieno@nesa.com.au – 0450 138 600) should you have any questions.
10 SEPTEMBER 2020
Release of the Proposed licensing system for the New Employment Services Model: Discussion paper
Today DESE has released the Proposed licensing system for the New Employment Services Model: Discussion paper.
Submissions close 12:00pm AEDT Wednesday 28 October 2020. Lodgement of submissions by email is preferred and can be sent to Future-Employment-Services@dese.gov.au. Please visit the DESE website for further information.
As flagged in earlier correspondence, we will be in touch shortly with times for member consultation sessions.
The Advanced Roll-Out of the Online Employment Service
In response to recent discussions and feedback particularly regarding the advanced roll-out of the Online Employment Service I have written to Minister Cash as well as other key stakeholders to express and emphasize the current key concerns of the sector.
I have highlighted the direct impacts on the sector following the Department’s decision to retain job seekers in the OES, the lack of transparency around the modelling for the funding adjustments implemented in June 2020 and the consequent impacts following the retention of job seekers in the OES, and additionally, the introduction of the Commonwealth as a new service provider and competitor in the Employment Services framework in advance of the 2022 reform process.
I will keep members informed of developments.
NESA in the News
Yesterday I was interviewed for ABC Radio National to address the sectors concerns regarding the advanced roll-out of the Online Employment Service and to take the opportunity to refute any misleading commentary directed at our sector.
We also expect to have our right of reply published to Rick Morton’s recent article in this weekends’ The Saturday Paper. We will share this with members when available as well as our more detailed communication with the Deputy Editor of The Saturday Paper.
NESA continues to work strategically via various media and other channels to support the sector.
28 AUGUST 2020
Upcoming NESA Member Consultation Sessions We are also looking to host a Servicing Job Seekers with Challenging Behaviours workshop with DESE and members that week. Further information will be provided soon. Employment Services Workforce Survey of Remuneration & HR Performance 2020 The survey is ready to go once again this year if you are! However, due to the unusual circumstances in which we are working, we thought it would be a good idea to gauge the interest of the sector in participating in the survey before we get too far ahead of ourselves. Just to remind you the survey reports on benchmark remuneration of 20 key personnel, from frontline staff to senior management and the Board. It also explores benchmarks in recruitment and retention, induction, learning and development, employee reward and welfare, workplace flexibility and the cost of employment. The information collected enables the sector to understand how it performs compared to the rest of the Australian economy as well as allowing individual organisations to benchmark their HRM performance against the key indicators of good management practice for their sector. If there is sufficient interest then we will go ahead. All you need to do is answer our simple YES or NO poll question indicating whether you would like to participate in the Survey in 2020. Go to: SURVEY 2020 YES or NO? Gradual Return of CDP Services The Newsletter highlights:
Booking Appointments – How ESSWeb converts ‘Any’ and ‘Contact’ Timeslots to ‘Initial’ Timeslots for Services Australia staff You’ll know that DESE and DSS have asked providers to set up ‘Any’ or ‘Contact’ Timeslots in the electronic diary, rather than setting up ‘Initial’ Timeslots which currently only allow a ‘Face-to-Face’ format. A number of providers have asked NESA how Services Australia use these other (non- Initial) Timeslots to set up Initial Appointments for new referrals. Here’s how it works. ESSWeb sends Timeslot information across the interface to Services Australia. Services Australia view this information when booking clients into Initial Appointments. When Services Australia staff bring up a list of providers with capacity to take on new referrals, the system looks at each site’s Timeslots over the next 48 hours. If the site doesn’t have any Initial Timeslots, then the system looks for Timeslots with a type of ‘Any’ or ‘Contact’. If you have set up these Timeslots (as per DESE and DSS advice/Task Cards), then the system ‘converts’ them to become ‘Initial’ Timeslots. So even though you created them as ‘Any’ or ‘Contact’ Timeslots, Services Australia staff see them as ‘Initial’ Timeslots in their system and refer clients to you. There is no advantage in creating ‘Initial’ Timeslots at the moment, as the system converts your ‘Any’ and ‘Contact’ Timeslots to be ‘Initial’ Timeslots on the Services Australia side. This also explains why Services Australia staff might tell you that they don’t see your ‘Any’ or ‘Contact’ Timeslots. NESA is currently working with DESE and DSS to have the Task Cards for Booking Appointments updated. Based on member feedback the current Task Cards available on the Provider Portal require some additional steps to be included. We anticipate the updated Task Cards will be published shortly. DESE have advised that IT changes will need to be applied in both ESSWeb and the Services Australia IT system to allow you to create the traditional Initial Timeslots with options for phone and video appointments in addition to the current ‘face-to-face’ format. NESA is seeking clarification on the timeline for this. Please contact Damien Opolski should have any further questions. Long Service Benefits Portability Act – VIC The Long Service Benefits Portability Act and Regulations became operational on 1 July 2019. The Act is currently supported by Interim Regulations which expire on 6 November 2020. The Interim Regulations will remain in place until the permanent Regulations are made. The Minister for Industrial Relations has determined that there will be some changes made to the exposure draft Regulations – click here to read about how the LSBP Scheme impacts Employment Services. For further information please access the Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme page Inquiry into Sustainable Employment for Disadvantaged Jobseekers The Victorian Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee have released the final report for the Inquiry into sustainable employment for disadvantaged jobseekers. Among its 70 recommendations, the Committee supported the continuation of the Jobs Victoria Employment Network along with changes to its funding model, expansion of training opportunities at Learn Locals and Aboriginal-controlled organisations, and widespread adoption of social procurement across local government. It also recommended the co-design and co-development of employment programs with employers and jobseekers and the development of a youth employment strategy and regional skills demand profiles. The Committee acknowledges the economic impact COVID-19 will exacerbate employment barriers for jobseekers facing disadvantage and make searching for work more competitive. The Committee recognises the impact of COVID-19 increases the urgency of implementing the report’s recommendations to avoid the scarring effect of long-term unemployment for these jobseekers. |
3 AUGUST 2020
Ministers Cash, Ruston and Robert have released a joint media release confirming the resumption of Mutual Obligation will be paused in Victoria following yesterdays Victorian Stage 4 Lockdown announcements by the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
A summary of key points:
- Enhanced support and expanded access to Australia’s social security system remains in place
- Expanded eligibility for JobSeeker and related payments remains in place
- Funding for emergency support providers including food relief and domestic violence services has been boosted
- Crisis Payment is also available to assist individuals who are in financial hardship as a result of being required to quarantine
- The assets test and Liquid Asset Waiting Period will be waived until 24 September 2020
- Ordinary Waiting Period, Seasonal Workers Preclusion Period and Newly Arrived Residents Waiting Period will be waived until 31 December 2020
- mutual obligations for Victorians will continue to be voluntary until further notice
- Access to payments has been simplified
- Services Australia service centres will remain open but only for the most vulnerable in the community, online and call service options are available for all other Victorians
- Recipients of a range of income support payments, including JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance, will continue to receive the Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight until 24 September 2020. A Coronavirus Supplement of $250 per fortnight and an income free threshold of $300 per fortnight will be available until 31 December 2020
- General eligibility requirements to access income support payments including the income test and residency requirements continue to apply
- In relation to DES (as confirmed via CEO Communications today):
- DES participants in Victoria will today be advised by sms that the previous phase of non-compellable mutual obligation requirements will remain in place.
- DES providers in all states and territories must take into account local Health advice, including any lockdown arrangements, when making arrangements for jobseekers
- Special Circumstances Exemptions continue to be available through Services Australia for jobseekers who require them
- DES providers remain eligible to claim Service Fees that fall due even where they have not been able to deliver contacts as required by the Grant Agreement
Please note, Mutual Obligations will be progressively reintroduced in other states and territories from Tuesday 4 August, as previously announced. This includes financial penalties where a participant declines an offer of suitable employment without an acceptable reason. Job seekers will receive an SMS confirming their MO requirements.
31 JULY 2020
DES
Today DSS has written to providers advising of changes to Education Placements. These include changes that DSS has already made and intend to make. In summary:
- 9 March 2020 – DES Outcome Guidelines were updated outlining participants must be placed into education courses only where the course is appropriate to the Participant and can be related to their individual employment objectives and understanding local market requirements.
- From 1 July 2020 – the Documentary Evidence for Claims for Payments Guidelines (v1.4) strengthened Documentary Evidence requirements, emphasising file notes as a secondary, less acceptable form of evidence and removing file notes as an available form of evidence for Education Placements.
- On 30 June 2020 – DSS issued Direction No. 6 directing providers not to place participants into an Education Placement provided by an organisation that is a Related Entity of the Provider unless DSS has approved the placement in writing beforehand. Acknowledging providers require lead-in time DSS will not enforce the pre-approval requirements for Education Placements commencing before 1 August 2020. Providers can request prior Departmental approval of a Related Entity Education Placement using the attached form.
- From 17 August 2020 – Under Direction No. 7 DSS will remove Education Outcomes from the Star Rating Methodology. Education Outcomes will be removed from the numerator of performance measures and will not remove participants who achieve a 13-Week or 26-Week Pathway Education Outcome from the denominator for a Full Outcome. Education Placements commencing prior 17 August 2020 will continue to be included in the Star Ratings calculations. This change will be reflected in the Star Ratings from December 2020.
- From 14 September 2020 – DSS will amend DES Outcome Guidelines to ensure providers support participants to complete and pass a semester of a course as required by the Grant Agreement. Providers can only claim the 13-Week and 26-week Outcomes for a course with defined semesters and will only be claimable after the participant has completed and passed the first and second semesters of a course as required by the Grant Agreement.
Closing the Gap Refresh Update
The Prime Minister, Minister for Indigenous Australian’s Ken Wyatt and the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations announced a new national agreement on Closing the Gap targets.
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap has 16 national socio-economic targets across areas that have an impact on life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The progress against the targets will be monitored by the Productivity Commission and will help all parties to the National Agreement understand how their efforts are contributing to progress over the next ten years.
Click here for further detail
ParentsNext
This week NESA participated in the ParentsNext Operational Working Group. DESE noted Participant engagement has typically remained high throughout COVID-19, monthly contacts from providers has been welcomed by majority of participants. Key areas discussed included:
- Referrals – DESE are closely monitoring advising referrals are flowing through to providers although at a lower rate than pre-COVID. Services Australia are not able to refer new participants to provider caseloads if pending referrals aren’t commencing. DESE are working with Services Australia to return to normal servicing levels ASAP.
- Gradual Reintroduction of Mutual Obligation (MO) – The announcements about MO Requirements from 4 August 2020 do not apply to ParentsNext, MO for ParentsNext Participants remains voluntary and should be based on local advice. Participants will be sent an SMS on 4 August 2020 to confirm MO remains voluntary. DESE will advise providers when the current arrangements change.
- Participation Fund (PF) – The take up of the PF is relatively low, only 14% of credits have been spent. DESE have conducted some research into PF utilisation which identified some barriers to PF access, suggestions to increase PF utilisation were provided. DESE confirmed PF is only available to Intensive Stream participants and will explore opportunities to better promote the PF to participants.
- ParentsNext Privacy Notification and Consent Form– A redesigned form will be made available to providers shortly. The new form format allows for co-branding and has updated privacy information.
- KPI’s – The 2nd performance period ended 30 June 2020. KPI’s are holding strong, providers will continue to be measured under the existing arrangements. DESE are taking into consideration the Bushfires and COVID-19. Reports will be provided to providers by the end of August.
- Future of ParentsNext – DESE are working through what future arrangements post 30 June 2021 will look like and will make recommendations to government accordingly. DESE is open to hearing suggestions about program enhancements or modifications.
COVID-19 Update
Following the recent announcements around job seekers remaining in the online platform we understand this puts members in a precarious position. We hear your feedback in relation to the immediate and significant impacts this change has made to your caseloads and staffing arrangements.
Whilst the sector was unaware of what was to come in last Friday’s CEO Livestream we have been following up with the department and are in the process of collating member feedback and will be providing this to relevant Ministers and departmental contacts.
As the pandemic continues to rapidly fluctuate and migrate across the nation the impacts and risks to business continue to evolve. At present we don’t have a clear picture or certainty of what the next few months my look like both nationally and for each individual organisation but we acknowledge its timely to take stock, reassess what we thought we knew and plan again.
For those members interested, I invite you and your leadership teams to consider joining the Risk Management Strategies for the Post Covid Future 2-Part NESA Webinar Series. Hosted by Peter Holtmann, this series will provide your business with strategies for prioritising and mitigating current risks and discuss:
- Flexible work arrangements to continue, does it drive sustained profitability?
- Worker confidence in business continuity, will they stay?
- Worker mental health, stress of return to working environments, do you know what conversations to have?
- Leadership vacuum, business as usual is not as predicted, where do you start to build business continuity?
- You have a proven flexible workforce, can you innovate, is it truly business disruption or interruption?
This session will be held on 17 and 24 August 2020 at 3:30pm AEST – Click here for further information and registration information
23 JULY 2020
Today the Treasurer provided the long awaited Economic and Fiscal Update. The level of financial investment and support provided to Australians to date is unprecedented and moving forward will be scaled to continue to provide support. Click here for detailed information on the various supports that have been and plan to be implemented by Government.
New PaTH Business Placement Partnerships Program Pilot
As part of today’s budget announcements, Minister Cash announced the New PaTH Business Placement Partnerships Program Pilot, this program aims to connect young job seekers to employers with significant workforce needs in growing industries.
$10 million dollars has been allocated to trial government and industry co-designing employment pathways for young workers using elements of the Youth Jobs PaTH Program and other existing programs and training services.
A range of industry partners will be approached through a limited tender to establish a panel to respond to emerging opportunities and forward plan through the next two years.
Through Youth Jobs PaTH, businesses can also receive a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 for eligible participants to help settle them into the workplace.
The limited tender will be conducted in August 2020.
Feedback Request – JobTrainer
On 16 July 2020, the Prime Minister announced the Australian Government will partner with state and territory governments to establish a new $1 billion JobTrainer fund.
As outlined the fund will provide training places to help school leavers and job seekers access free or low cost courses in areas of identified skills need, with the Federal Government providing $500 million with matched contributions from state and territory governments.
To inform the identification of courses, the National Skills Commission (NSC) will create an indicative list of qualifications.This list will help inform discussions with state and territory government, with those discussions to determine the qualifications and short courses to be funded via the JobTrainer Fund.
NESA Members have a short window of opportunity to contribute feedback to inform the initial list of courses to be offered under JobTrainer. I ask members to provide any feedback, data or information to the Policy Team by COB 29 July 2020 as NESA is required to provide feedback by 30 July 2020. We appreciate this is a busy period for all members however this information is essential to ensure students are able to access training ASAP.
The NSC intend to keep the list live and will update and refine as required. There will be further opportunities to provide feedback to the NSC and state and territory governments as places become available from September/October.
21 JULY 2020
Gradual Return of Mutual Obligation Requirements
Job seekers are expected to participate in appointments with providers, agree to a Job Plan, undertake a job search, and attend activities if it is safe to do so. If a job seeker is unable to meet these requirements no payment suspensions or financial penalties will be applied.
NIAA have confirmed CDP participants are not impacted by these arrangements. ParentsNext arrangements remain unchanged.
Click here to read the Media Release, CEO Letter and access the DESE website for further information and a job seeker fact sheet.
Jobkeeper Payment and Income Support Extended
In relation to JobKeeper Payment:
- A two-tiered payment will be introduced from 28 September:
- $1200 Full Rate vs $750 Less than 20 Hours worked per fortnight rate for period 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021
- $1000 Full Rate vs $650 Less than 20 Hours worked per fortnight rate for period 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021
- From 28 September 2020, businesses, and not-for-profits will be required to reassess their eligibility by reference to their actual June and September quarter turnovers demonstrating an ongoing significant decline in turnover
- To remain eligible for the JobKeeper Payment in the March quarter 2021, employers will need to reassess eligibility for the March quarter by demonstrating that they have met the relevant decline in actual turnover in each of the previous three quarters ending on 31 December 2020
- The Government will extend the payment period of the temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support from 25 September 2020 to 31 December 2020
- As the economy reopens, the Coronavirus Supplement will be extended at the rate of $250 per fortnight
- Both existing and new income support recipients will continue to be paid the Coronavirus Supplement
- From 25 September 2020, the assets test and the Liquid Assets Waiting Period will be reintroduced and the JobSeeker Payment partner income test will increase from 25 cents for every dollar of partner income earned over $996 per fortnight to 27 cents for every dollar of partner income earned over $1,165 per fortnight.
- The Government will increase the income free area for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (Other) from $106 per fortnight to $300 per fortnight and will simplify the taper rate from a dual taper of 50 cents and 60 cents to a single taper of 60 cents. Individuals will be able to earn up to $300 per fortnight without foregoing any JobSeeker payment or affecting their eligibility for the Coronavirus Supplement. The expanded criteria for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (Other) will continue until 31 December 2020
- Reduced waiting times, including the Ordinary Waiting Period, Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) and the Seasonal Work Preclusion Period, will continue to be waived until 31 December 2020.
DES IT System Update
Last Thursday an IT system process was run to identify and refer DES-eligible job seekers currently being serviced through the Online Employment Service. DSS initially reported approximately 12,000 referrals would occur. An error with the IT system process resulted in only around 2,200 people being referred.
The error has now been identified and fixed, the IT system process will be run again this Thursday morning.
Please contact the NESA Policy Team to raise any concerns/issues in relation to this.
Risk Management Strategies for the Post COVID Future (2 part online webinar series)
Presented by Peter Holtmann, this two-part online session has been specifically designed for organisational leaders and managers and will cover:
- Flexible work arrangements to continue, does it drive sustained profitability?
- Worker confidence in business continuity, will they stay?
- Worker mental health, stress of return to working environments, do you know what conversations to have?
- Leadership vacuum, business as usual is not as predicted, where do you start to build business continuity?
- You have a proven flexible workforce, can you innovate, is it truly business disruption or interruption?
1 JULY 2020
The focus and discussions around government stimulus and financial supports are intensifying. Whilst we eagerly await the release of the Governments’ “mini budget” (as it is now being referred to) on 23 July 2020. NESA continues to engage and represent the sector in these discussions, on Monday I was interviewed by ABC Radio – Click here to listen
Resumption of Services in the Community Development Program
NESA have been working with NIAA to ensure there is clarity around the approach to resuming services across the country. Key points from a meeting this week include:
- NIAA remain focused on ensuring there are appropriate safeguards in place to minimise the transmission of COVID-19 to remote communities. While the ability of organisations to safely delivery CDP is part of those considerations, it is not the only issue being considered by the Agency. Discussions with State and Territory authorities, access to communities and transmission rates in some locations in Australia and provider preparedness are also featuring as part of these considerations.
- Services in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland are all currently in the initial phase of the staged approach back to service delivery. This initial phase has an indicative period of four weeks. Providers will not move to the next phase of delivery until they receive advice from NIAA.
- We know that providers in South Australia and New South Wales are subject to different arrangements noting the fact some biosecurity arrangements are in place, and there are different transmission and delivery considerations in these regions. NESA will engage with members in these regions this week.
- Where organisations are seeking approval to deliver CDP services on an exception basis but have not had feedback form NIAA on their requests, please let Alicia Weiderman know who will assist in moving these through.
IAS Employment Outcome Audit
NIAA will shortly complete their most recent audit of employment outcomes for CDP. Generally, the results were positive, and have not indicated any major issues in terms of contract compliance in this area. There may be updates to guidelines to provide greater clarity to services and NIAA staff as a result. NESA will work with program teams on any changes to ensure they support service delivery.
DES
DSS have released the Disability Employment Services Grant Agreement (Direction and Advice No. 6) (Education Services) 2020. Please contact Vanessa Puopolo (vanesap@nesa.com.au) should you have any feedback or queries in relation to this.
We note Disability Employment Services Grant Agreement – Direction No. 5 is being republished and will be made available to providers shortly. Direction No. 5 covers the application of indexation to the Fees and re-calibration of the 2018 Funding Level Tool at Annexure B1 and B3 for the 2020-2021 financial year in accordance with clause 143 of the Agreement.
DSS have also released the latest COVID FAQ
Long Service Benefits Portability Act 2020 (Vic) Consultation
The Victoria State Government has undertaken a review of the Long Service Benefits Portability Interim Regulations. NESA has responded to the public consultation, submission are now closed.
More information about the Vic Government Long Service Leave arrangements can be found here
VET Stakeholder Committee Meeting
This week NESA participated in the DESE VET Stakeholder Committee Meeting. Key areas addressed included:
- Skills demand and the economy
- National Careers Institute – demonstration of digital platform prototype
- Job ready graduates package
- COVID-19 environment update
National Skills Commission
The National Skills Commission (NSC) has released its first publication, A snapshot in time: Australia’s Labour Market and COVID-19. This report provides insight into the shocks being experienced within the labour market across various cohorts. There are also some glimmers of hope, with the OECD acknowledging that Australia’s economic resilience was greater than most.
The NSC has also launched a new website, www.nationalskillscommission.gov.au
26 JUNE 2020
IT Major System Release – 26 June 2020
DESE are undertaking a major systems release, commencing tonight 8pm Friday 26 June to midnight 28 June 2020. NESA has raised the timeliness and potential impacts of this system release with DESE however due to a number of internal departmental processes and priorities this could not be changed.
Key things to note about the release:
- All applications and automated system processing under Employment Systems will be unavailable – this includes all ESSWeb, ESS SmartClient, CDP system and Provider staff nationwide
- The ESR Portal will be available as usual on Friday 26 June, with data updated as at COB Thursday 25 June. The reports will not be updated again until after all schema changes are reflected in the data warehouse. DESE anticipate to have this up and running as usual on Wednesday 1 July 2020 however it may be later in the week
New Employment Services update and Licensing System Webinar – Date change
This webinar has been rescheduled and will now be held Friday 3 July 2020 from 11am – 1pm EST.
If you have already registered for the webinar, you do not need to do this again and you should have received a confirmation email with the updated details.
If you haven’t registered and would like to attend, please register through the learning centre or email learningcentrewebconference@dese.gov.au and an invitation will be sent to you.
Checklist for a COVIDSafe and sustainable business
As COVID-19 restrictions are eased across Australia, it’s more important than ever that we continue to follow the latest guidance and requirements identified by health authorities to keep our communities safe. For businesses, this means ensuring COVIDSafe workplaces that protect staff, customers and visitors.
You may already be aware of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission’s business planning tool. The tool is aimed at helping businesses create individual plans to:
- put safety protections in place for their workers and customers
- communicate with employees and their families and customers
- manage a case of coronavirus in the workplace
- restart after a coronavirus incident.
The NCCC has also developed a checklist to help businesses work through safety, logistical and sustainability issues as well as providing information on where to access advice and assistance.
The checklist reminds businesses of the steps they should be taking to be COVIDSafe and includes new guidance to develop plans for a sustainable future. As we return to social activity and the economy begins to recover, it will be essential for all businesses to plan for their future in a COVID-constrained environment.
We also strongly recommend members continue to visit the websites of state and territory government COVID-19 safe work website and SafeWork Australia, where a wide range of helpful materials can be accessed.
Australia.gov.au has posters, stickers and decals on topics such as capacity numbers, social distancing and hygiene that can be displayed to demonstrate your organisation has taken appropriate steps to ensure the premises are as COVIDSafe as possible.
International Labour Organisation (ILO)
The ILO has published a number of COVID-19 related resources and materials which provide international insights and suggested policy responses to the global impacts of COVID-19.
- The ILO response to COVID-19
- COVID-19 and the world of work. Fourth edition
- ILO Policy Brief: Preventing exclusion from the labour market: Tackling the COVID-19 youth employment crisis
- What are the policy solutions to the COVID-19 youth employment crisis?
- Policy Brief: COVID-19 and the World of Work: Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities at all stages of the response
- Global challenges – Global solutions: COVID-19 and the Employment Policy Response
WAPES – Public Employment Services mobilizes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Survey
WAPES has conducted a survey titled “PES mobilizes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic” which covers 72 countries over five continents. The survey provides insights into economic support measures, service continuity arrangements, workforce transitions and recommendations for servicing arrangements in the future.
As highlighted within the Australian context, WAPES note “the crisis of COVID-19 has highlighted the need for more horizontal and decentralized organizations with more autonomy for greater flexibility and responsiveness to events. Agility, empathy, and resilience are the markers of this difficult episode; we can make them lasting markers of our decision-making”.
Cyber Security Resource
Cyber Security remains an ongoing priority, Marsh Insurance have developed a quick guide addressing Rising Cyber Threats: How to remain resilient and a Cyber Self-Assessment tool.
Key Program Updates
jobactive
DESE has confirmed the temporary Employment Fund measures (i.e.credits to the Employment Fund from day 1 for Stream A job seekers) will cease on 30 June 2020. Click here to read the most recent CEO Letter – 25 June 2020
CDP
NIAA has written to CDP providers with updates on the CDP Gradual Return to Full Servicing & the most recent CDP FAQ. Key points:
- the staged reintroduction to service delivery will be considered region by region
- there are no specific timelines available at this point
- a break of up to 12 weeks will now be permitted in recognition of the volatile program environment
- Providers should should continue to ensure work is done to enable services to restart in a COVID safe manner
The NIAA has also published data for 2018 – 2019 including financial penalties and income support payment suspensions data (by State and Territory) and CDP caseload, employment placements and 13 and 26 week employment outcomes (by CDP region). This information is available on the NIAA site
NESA continues to work with NIAA to obtain updates on other key operational issues and will meet with Canberra again next week.
DES
The ANAO have published the Management of Agreements for Disability Employment Services report.
The DES COVID-19 Monitoring Report will be uploaded onto the Provider Portal on Friday (26 June 2020).
The most recent DES FAQ can be accessed here
Complementary Programs
NESA continues to hear from members in relation to CTA, TTW, ParentsNext, TWES and EST. Please contact Vanessa Puopolo (vanessap@nesa.com.au – 03 9624 2390) should you have any queries or wish to provide feedback in relation to any of these programs.
NESA Member Good News Stories
We have heard from members around some of the unexpected positive affects and innovations COVID-19 has had personally for job seekers and provider service delivery innovations.
Should you have any good news stories you would like to share to highlight the positives that have come out of COVID-19 please contact Vanessa Puopolo (vanessap@nesa.com.au).
Upcoming NESA Webinar – CDP Frontline Staff Coaching Program
The CDP Frontline Staff Coaching Program commences Monday 29 June 2020.
This is a comprehensive opportunity for staff delivering the Community Development Program covering:
- Introduction to the program components
- Good practice soft skills
- Strategies to effectively work with participants
- KPI measures and compliance requirements
The CDP Frontline Staff Coaching Program will be delivered as nine sessions in three modules. You can choose to register for one or two modules, or register for the total coaching program. Click here for further information
Communicare relaunches White Ribbon Australia
This week Communicare relaunched White Ribbon Australia. The relaunch brings a renewed focus on community and committing its resources, advocacy, and activities to bringing about meaningful change in the elimination of gendered violence in Australia.
Brad Chilcott has been appointed as the new Executive Director and brings to the role extensive leadership and change making experience within the community sector.
Statistics on gendered violence:
- On average, the cost of leaving a violent relationship is about 141 hours and $18,000
- Police respond to 650 domestic violence incidents every day. That’s one every two minutes. Yet over 80% of women who experienced violence have never contacted the police.
- Over 100,000 people a year report to homelessness services that they are fleeing domestic violence. 94% of them are women and children.
- Australia’s full time gender pay gap is 14%, with women earning on average $241.50 per week less than men.
Click here to read the Media Release or visit the Communicare website for more information.
19 JUNE 2020
Yesterday the Prime Minister noted although these statistics are unsurprising “Australia has put in place the biggest measure of income support the country has ever seen to cushion the blow, but the blow is still devastating and great”.
The impacts on the true unemployment figures are yet to be fully realised. JobKeeper has kept 3.3 million employed however the future of these jobs may be determined by the pending cessation of the JobKeeper Scheme in September.
As Government contemplates the future arrangements of JobKeeper and JobSeeker, it has been “suggested the government sees JobSeeker, with its links to employment services, as a better long-term option than the JobKeeper wage subsidy”.
In relation to JobKeeper economists are quick to warn “A premature removal could pave the way for a secondary recession, job losses and bankruptcies.”
Whilst no decision has been taken to cut the JobSeeker payment at this stage, the longstanding calls to increase the payment have been reignited.
The economic emergency, by necessity, has seen co-operation and more flexibility in the way work gets done. Mr Morrison said this mindset would be vital in recovery because too-rigid systems would mean people needlessly losing jobs in the tricky transition in the latter part of the year and beyond.
The Treasurer is due to release an Economic Statement on 23 July 2020.
This morning I was interviewed by Rebecca Levingston, ABC Radio Brisbane and discussed the temporary Employment Fund arrangements and the potential future impacts of returning to the previous arrangements.
jobactive Outcomes COVID-19 Update
Please note an updated advice on jobactive Outcomes COVID-19 has been published on the Provider Portal, click here to a view a copy. Information regarding Outcome Payments for a situation where a previously placed job seeker may have moved to JobSeeker and then onto JobKeeper payments has been updated following advocacy by NESA.
DES Provider Teleconferences
DSS held two Provider teleconference sessions this week, these meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the DES program COVID-19 flexibilities from 1 July 2020, including any alignment with the resumption of Mutual Obligation Requirements for participants. The meetings also broadly covered:
- permissible break arrangements,
- updates to documentary evidence requirements,
- assurance activities,
- status of the Mid-Term Review,
- work based personal assistance, and;
- the recently released star ratings.
Should providers have any queries in relation to these topics please contact DESCommunications@dss.gov.au
DESE has scheduled a webinar regarding the New Employment Services Model, including an update on the Trial and overview of the proposed licensing system for 25 June 2020, 11am – 1pm.
**Please note, this session will only be for Employment providers who have a contract with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.The department is planning to hold additional consultations with employment services providers who are managed through other departments in coming weeks.
12 JUNE 2020
Temporary changes to jobactive payment model
Yesterday DESE announced temporary changes to the jobactive Payment Model. Administration Fees and Employment Outcomes will be weighted equally (50:50) and will be available from 12 June 2020 to 30 November 2020. jobactive Notice No. 15 has been issued to providers and published on the Provider Portal to bring this change into effect. Click here to read the most recent CEO Letter – 11 June 2020
These changes are welcomed following NESA’s continued advocacy on this particular issue – https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/am/employment-service-providers-under-pressure/12290124
NESA Submission to the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic Senate Inquiry
Thank you to all members who have informed and contributed to NESA’s response to the Senate Inquiry on behalf of the sector. Whilst focusing on the immediate issues in response to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference, this piece is the beginning of further planned advocacy NESA will continue to progress over the coming weeks and months. Click here to read NESA’s submission
DES Star Ratings
DSS have publicly released the DES March 2020 Star Ratings – Click here to access
Cyber Security
It has recently come to light that cyber scamming is on the rise, particularly with COVID-19 affecting us all to some degree. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) released an update in May on cyber security guidance for government agents. The links below have information that might be of interest and use to your organisations
- Cyber Security for Agents of Government Services
- Summary of Tradecraft Trends for 2019-20: Tactics, Techniques and Procedures Used to Target Australian Networks
ACCI
ACCI have released information and resources that you may find of interest:
- JobKeeper Submission to CBLU – ACCI responded to a series of questions posed by the COVID-19 Business Liaison Unit (CBLU) around JobKeeperpayment, highlighting key recommendations in relation to current payment and transition requirements.
- Roadmap Out – Headline Measures Fact Sheet – A fact sheet tracking the easing of restrictions Federally and by State and Territory.
- New COVID-19 guidance published on the Safe Work Australia website regarding Mobile consultants and client engagement services
- COVID-19 Small business planning tool, outlining the key steps and considerations for small business operating during COVID-19
NESA News
NESA Board Appointments
The NESA Board has co-opted Mr Paul Synnott, CEO of My Pathway to fill a casual member vacancy and Ms Renae Lowry as an Independent Director for the current year ending at the 2020 AGM. These changes align with Clause 4.3 of the NESA Constitution.
I would like to congratulate Paul and Renae on their appointments.
Going forward NESA Solutions will re-brand to NESA People Solutions (NESAPS). This subtle change in name reiterates the core focus of our subsidiary which is all about People. Along with the name change we will also be introducing a new company logo and website to further recognise the important work of NESA People Solutions.
If you have any questions or feedback on the updated branding of our subsidiary, please don’t hesitate to contact Matt Clarke (NESA Deputy CEO – 0428 441 400) or myself.
12 MAY 2020
As the COVID-19 restrictions begin lifting nationally our focus is now heavily turning to the road out of COVID-19. Before we can hit the accelerator and resume ‘business as usual’ practices there is still quite a bit of work to do to transition out.
NESA is keen to continue to hear from members about the steps you are taking to resume business operations as restrictions are lifted across the country, recognising differentiation per state.
NESA Survey
To inform NESA’s response to the COVID-19 Senate Inquiry we have designed a survey to capture member feedback across all the employment services programs.
The survey aims to gain insights into the challenges COVID-19 has presented whilst understanding the impacts of actions and decisions taken by government and key departments to date.
As the spotlight is heavily upon our sector, we strongly encourage all members to complete the survey to inform NESA’s response with a unified voice. The survey will close COB 20 May 2020.
Today’s CEO Livestream hit a technical glitch, click here to view the recording.
Key messages from today’s session include:
- Resources available via australia.gov.au including the national Three Step Plan to relaxing restrictions and mental health resources
- Referrals – general update
- Outcomes
- Mutual Obligation – further guidance will be provided closer to 22 May 2020
- Transition to Work referral arrangements
Please contact the Policy Team should you have any questions or wish to discuss any of the information provided.
DES
NESA continues to work with DSS and the other peaks to address COVID-19 challenges within the DES space. Referrals and assessments remain a key priority as we continue to work towards streamlined access to DES. Please contact the Policy Team to provide any suggested solutions or feedback on additional key issues.
DSS have also released the most recent FAQ in response to provider queries.
CDP
NESA is holding a CDP member meeting this Friday (15 May 2020) from 3pm – 4pm AEST.
The focus of this meeting is to consolidate initial views on Recovery and Performance in CDP during the COVID-19 response phase.
These views will be consolidated into a paper to support a Virtual SIG with the National Indigenous Australians Agency and influence policy and program implementation.
Please contact Alicia Weiderman (aliciaw@nesa.com.au – 0432 919 899) to register. **Please note, Zoom details will be provided upon RSVP.
1 MAY 2020
Much of the media focus now is on lifting COVID-19 restrictions and systematically transitioning back to life and business as ‘new normal’ as we move into the reconfigure and reconstruct phase.
Whilst we are not completely certain of what the future looks like nor the estimated timeline for complete transition out of COVID-19 arrangements we can certainly anticipate increased focus and pressures on our sector.
We note the recent reports casting a negative shadow on our sector. Please be assured NESA is working on a response to refute these inaccurate, misleading and ill-informed media stories.
The spotlight is upon us and it’s time to demonstrate what our sector is capable of and debunk some of the myths and negative misconceptions that exist by highlighting the ‘why’ and the great work that we do.
Message to job seekers – Mutual Obligations Exemption ending
NESA has been advised a Services Australia have sent a letter in error on 29 April 2020 that was received by a number of jobseekers. The letter advises that their Mutual Obligations are about to expire, however as confirmed in recent announcements Mutual Obligations are lifted up to and including 22 May 2020.
The incorrect message stated:
Your Mutual Obligations Exemption is about to end. To continue receiving your payment, you need to attend any appointments with your Employment Services Provider or us and meet any requirements in your Job Plan again from <date>
Services Australia is urgently working to stop any further messages being sent.
If your staff are contacted by a job seeker who has received this message, please confirm and reassure them that requirements are lifted up to and including 22 May 2020, and they will not be suspended or lose their payment.
Select Committee on COVID-19
A Select Committee on COVID-19 has recently been announced. Whilst the Terms of Reference are broad, this a welcome opportunity to highlight the sector.
Submissions are due by 28 May 2020.
COVIDSafe App
More than 2 million people have downloaded the COVIDSafe App since its launch on Sunday.
Downloading the app is voluntary, however the Government is aiming for 10 million people (40%) to download the contact-tracing app for it to be a success and influence relaxation of current restrictions.
JobKeeper Payment Update – enrolment extended until 31 May 2020
The ATO has extended the time to enrol for the initial two JobKeeper payment fortnights, from 30 April 2020 until 31 May 2020.
As the rules around JobKeeper payment continue to be firmed up, the Government is clarifying some key operational areas. Click here to read the Minister’s Media Release – 24 April 2020 for an overview of these.
The Fair Work Commission has released the Jobkeeper disputes benchbook. The guide has been released to assist parties lodging or responding to JobKeeper dispute applications under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
Research and Reporting
Today the government has the released the final report on the Inquiry into the adequacy of Newstart and related payments and alternative mechanisms to determine the level of income support payments in Australia.
The OECD has recently published the Coronavirus (COVID-19) From pandemic to recovery: Local employment and economic development and the Public employment services in the frontline for jobseekers, workers and employers.
The Labour Market Information Portal (LMIP) has also provided fact sheets and data on the impacts of COVID-19 onto businesses.
ACCI COVID-19 Government Assistance Guide
ACCI has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Government Assistance Guide. The guide broadly covers: Financial Assistance for Business Owners, Tax System Changes and Support for Business, Rules and Regulatory Relief of Business and Individual Assistance.
Jobactive
NESA has continued to represent the priorities and concerns of the sector to DESE. In our most recent communication, we outlined:
- Impacts on general operations
- Job Seeker Referrals including general observations, Stream A and Assessment challenges
- JobKeeper payment
- Financial impacts
- ESSWeb issues
- Mutual Obligation Extension and associated job seeker messaging
- Job Seeker engagement
- Placements and outcomes
- Other program areas including EST, CTA, WfD
- Star Ratings and Performance
- Transition arrangements post-COVID-19
DSS
DSS are holding a second round of Provider teleconferences next week. There are three sessions scheduled:
- Tuesday 5 May: 11.30am – 12.30pm AEST
- Thursday 7 May: 11.30am – 12.30pm AEST
- Friday 8 May: 2pm – 3pm AEST
DSS have also released an updated version of the DES Provider Q&A – Coronavirus (COVID-19).
CDP
Today NESA hosted a CDP NESA member teleconference. The discussion covered the formalisation of arrangements to the funding model, strategies to highlight CDP good news stories and service delivery arrangements supporting local communities and performance considerations and service delivery arrangements moving forward.
Please contact Alicia Weiderman (aliciaw@nesa.com.au – 0432 919 899) should you wish to discuss CDP arrangements or provide feedback.
ESSWeb
Two major systems issues have been resolved:
The SUB122 jobactive Caseload Report provides caseload data including information about new referrals. As part of the COVID-19 arrangements, referrals to jobactive are currently being done as part of the overnight batch processing rather than the traditional on-line referrals. The timing of the batch referrals (currently being done on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights) meant that newly referred job seekers who appeared in ESSWeb in the morning were not visible in the SUB122 until the following morning. The Department developed a new Qlik report – jCASE04 jobactive Referrals from Digital Services – to give extra visibility of the new referrals. The good news is that changes to the overnight processing sequence means that the SUB122 now includes the previous night’s referrals. The Department has also committed to providing CEO’s with preliminary job seeker data to assist organisations plan for new referrals.
The transition to the Job Seeker Payment in late March saw a number of issues with the Job Seeker Rate Reduction Results (JRRR). The Department has implemented a number of fixes and providers indicate that the records are now providing expected results. The last of the fixes was implemented on Wednesday night however, in relation to ‘Split Fortnights’ these do require a Payslip Verified Outcome (PSVO). EA Knowledge base article KE4213: Transition to the Job Seeker Payment, provides advice on how to claim.
22 APRIL 2020
Today in a joint statement Minister’s Cash and Ruston have announced the lifting of Mutual Obligations will continue until 22 May 2020 as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
In addition to this, the Government has announced temporary changes to Employment Fund credit arrangements for Stream A job seekers. These changes mean that, from 4 May until 30 June 2020, the Employment Fund will be credited for new Stream A job seekers when they commence with a provider, rather than after 13 weeks as is currently the case.
For further information please read the Minister’s joint Media Release and the most recent CEO Letter – 22 April 2020 which details these arrangements and other timely updates including New Job Seeker Referral arrangements, New Job Seeker Servicing arrangements, Letters for Essential Travel for Provider Staff, NEST Financial Viability Analysis and Office of Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) privacy guidance.
Managing Your Workforce During the COVID-19 Pandemic
There has been an overwhelming demand for information on how to manage the workforce during the COVID-19 Pandemic as well as information on understanding new Government initiatives including variations to Awards.
The Employee Relations Online subscriptions service provides you with HR & IR support that covers all employees’ relations issues including:
- Coronavirus response
- Industry pay rates
- Awards conditions
- Leave and holidays
- Workplace agreements
- Termination of employment
- Employee tax and superannuation
- Health and Safety
Membership also gives you access to useful resources such as fact sheets, pay scales, guides, calculators, templates and model employment policies; Updates informing of the latest news and additions to our extensive library of resources; Confidential and expert advice online and via the 1300 Priority Help Desk.
As a NESA Member, you receive access to the Basic subscription level HR essentials, and can upgrade at any time.
Log in to the HR & IR Support NESA member portal to preview the most recent information and advice from Employee Relations Online.
Visit the Employee Relations Online website for further information or call 1300 021 800.
21 APRIL 2020
As talk beings to turn to the recovery process NESA is committed to supporting members through the current phase and all of the challenges it presents. We are also looking at the transition to the other side of the pandemic and the longer-term impacts and possible solutions to keep our sector viable and strong so we can continue to support Australians into employment.
Job Seeker Referrals
Today the Prime Minister announced 517,000 new jobseeker applications have been processed since 16 March 2020. NESA also understands 11,000 referrals to employment service providers were actioned in the system overnight. NESA is working to obtain visibility and understanding of these referrals as we have received a mixed response from members in relation to the available data reports and relevant referral flow rates.
CTA Program Update
As outlined in the most recent CTA CEO Letter, from 4 May 2020 CTA funding will be moved out of the Employment Fund and a separate funding source will be established. The Minister’s press release states the program will be funded by an additional $41.7 million from early May until June 2022. This is a welcome change which NESA has consistently championed.
Providers will receive advice on transition arrangements shortly. The Department will work with jobactive, NEST and CTA providers to implement the new funding arrangements.
For further information please read the CTA CEO Letter – 21 April 2020 and the Minister’s Media Release.
DSS Communications
Please note in addition to providing weekly fact sheets and updated FAQ, DSS are running three teleconferences to engage directly with providers. There is one remaining session available for providers to participate in on Friday 24 April – 1:30pm – 2:30pm AEST. To register, please contact DSS via DESCommunications@dss.gov.au. Please note, only one representative per organisation.
Today’s sessions covered the following areas:
- Financial impacts
- JobKeeper payment
- Advance payments
- Referrals
- Start Ratings
- Program Assurance
- Service Fees and Outcome arrangements
NESA has continued to work with the NIAA in relation to CDP funding arrangements. Last week we were advised the NIAA had written to each CDP provider setting out the monthly payment arrangements providers will receive during the contingency period. These payments are not an additional payment, but a replacement for the regular Case Management and Attendance payments. For the vast majority of providers, the payment has been calculated at 85% of the average Service Payment from November 2019 to February 2020. In some cases, individual providers whose payment was based on a different four month period due to identified operational disruptions have been directly advised of this.
A Notice of Variation will be sent to providers in the near future to formalise this payment arrangement.
JobKeeper Payment
We continue to liaise with members in working through the JobKeeper Payment eligibility requirements. Since the Bill was passed information has been updated and an additional factsheet titled ‘Protecting Integrity’ has been released, we encourage members to review these. Please refer to the latest Factsheets, FAQ, Rules and Explanatory Statement.
NESA has participated in second Roundtable meeting with Minister Cash hosted by ACCI. The discussion focused on JobKeeper Payment arrangements – Click here to view the recording.
IT Update
The Departments’ data and reporting teams advised NESA’s IT Reference Group that they were preparing to respond to a number of new policy proposals with regards to COVID-19. NESA is aware of a couple of ESSWeb issues that are currently occurring and will continue to seek clarity and system fixes for these.
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has announced that as of 30 June its Certified Cloud Services List (CCSL) will become void as the intention is to open cloud computing services to further competition. This does create some uncertainty in terms of the External Systems Assurance Framework (ESAF) and the Right Fit for Risk (RFFR), as ASD certification offered a level of assurance for both providers and DESE. NESA’s IT Reference Group has requested DESE provide guidance on the impact of the ASD advice. For more information see: https://www.cyber.gov.au/irap/cloud-services
NESA’s Right Fit for Risk provider community forum is up and running. The forum gives your key staff an opportunity to meet with others who are working through the process. If you would like to be involved contact Damien Opolski (damieno@nesa.com.au – 0450 138 600).
A recent significant achievement of NESA’s IT Reference Group was working with the DESE and DSS to oversee the introduction of the JRRR and JEHR subscription reports, which gives providers unprecedented visibility of earnings and hours data for DES and jobactive job seekers. The Reference Group is also driving the development of the soon to be released Job Matching report which will give providers the data recorded on the Job Matching and Career Profile screens in ESS Web.
NESA’s members also worked closely with DESE technical staff to identify and rectify an issue that saw reports and data download performance deteriorate significantly. NESA would like to thank those members who were involved.
ParentsNext Family Violence Resources
Recognising the current restrictions may significantly impact individuals experiencing Domestic or Family Violence, DESE has provided a current list of services and resources including the NESA Family Violence Toolkit to assist providers in identifying and supporting vulnerable participants while remote servicing arrangements are in place. This information can also be accessed on the Provider Portal.
Benefits of NEIS – Free Webinar – 4 May 2020
With high volumes of new program participants entering the system providers will need to consider the most appropriate services to support job seekers back to employment. NEIS may be a suitable solution.
NESA invites you to join the chair of the National NEIS Association (NNA), Phillip Kemp as he discusses the advantage New Business Assistance with NEIS has for jobactive providers, how NEIS benefits jobseekers and how NEIS will assist people when the Australian economy reopens for business.
The webinar is being held on Monday 4 May 2020 at 2pm AEST (1:30pm SA & NT, and 12noon WA) – Please note, this is a free webinar session. If you register and cannot attend on the day, you will be emailed the link to the recording. The session is expected to run no more than 60 minutes.
To register please click here
9 APRIL 2020
We trust you are keeping well as you continue to navigate the numerous challenges of COVID-19. Whilst job losses and the state of the labour market dominate the headlines, SEEK has revealed new job ads last week were down 65 per cent compared to the same week in 2019, NESA continues to work with Ministers and the departments in positioning the sector to be a practical part of the solution by providing more immediate access to services and support to the hundreds of thousands who now find themselves navigating the welfare system and employment services for the first time. We also continue to work with the departments to respond and highlight the key issues and priorities of the sector as immediately as they arise.
JobKeeper Payment
Yesterday, the Australian Government passed the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Bill 2020 and the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus (Measures No. 2) Act 2020.
As you are aware these actions have enabled temporary amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 to allow employers to change workplace arrangements and claim JobKeeper payments until business conditions improve.
We understand the arrangements around eligibility for the JobKeeper Payment are an immediate concern for some members. We encourage you to review the announcements and seek advice around pursuing JobKeeper payment including through the discretionary arrangements of the Commissioner if you believe your organisation may not meet the eligibility requirements.
Please visit Treasury.gov.au/Coronavirus for further information and factsheets in relation to JobKeeper payment.
Roundtable with Minister Cash
On Monday (6 April 2020) Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business participated in a roundtable hosted by ACCI. The meeting discussed the JobKeeper payment, Rental Subsidy, VET and skills.
Click here to watch a video recording of the meeting
Click here to read the JobKeeper payment – FAQ – as referenced in the meeting
COVID-19 Incentives Overview
Over the last month or so there has a been a number of major incentive announcements from the Federal and State Governments and other industry bodies. We have come across a collated overview of all of these which may be a useful resource to you and your teams managing COVID-19.
Click here to access COVID-19 Incentives Overview
Industry Code of Practice for commercial and retail tenants
On Tuesday (7 April 2020) the Prime Minister announced arrangements in relation to the mandatory Code of Conduct for commercial tenancies (Code). Key things to note:
- Landlords will have to reduce leases in proportion to the reduction in the tenant’s business
- Waivers will have to account for at least 50% of the reduction in business
- Rental payments can be deferred and must be spread over the remaining time on a lease and for no less than 24 months
- The code will apply to any tenancies where the landlord or tenant applies for the JobKeeper payment and where they have a turnover of $50 million or less
- The arrangements will be overseen by binding mediation
- A mandatory code will be rolled out in each state and territory
- Banks have been called upon to provide support to larger commercial landlords
DESE
Tuesday’s All CEO Livestream covered a broad range of issues impacting jobactive as raised by the sector via NESA. Key topics addressed included: Job Seeker Referrals, Job Seeker Messaging, Job Plans, Outcomes, Permissible Breaks, Star Ratings, Maximum Time Transfers, the Quality Assurance Framework, Services Australia, NEIS and the impacts of JobKeeper payment.
Click here to access the livestream recording
Click here to read the most recent jobactive CEO Letter – 7 April 2020
**Please refer the Provider Portal for the most recent FAQ
DES
NESA continues to work alongside DEA, NDS and JA to progress the priorities of the DES sector. In recent representations we have highlighted a range of issues from financial sustainability through to flexibility and program arrangements.
Today Ministers Ruston and Robert announced further supports for the disability sector including financial investment and support for DES, ADE’s and NDIS providers and participants. Click here to read the minister’s joint media release.
DSS have also advised providers of additional measures available to DES providers including Advance Payment of Service Fees, participant communications, referrals and ESAts and other general information. Click here to read the most recent DSS CEO letter – 9 April 2020.
NIAA
NESA continues to engage with NIAA on the program and funding implications relating to the Community Development Program in the COVID-19 response. Our members are demonstrating the real value of community and employment services in these regions, with Providers delivering innovative community based responses to the current COVID-19 environment. We understand how critical funding certainty will be to ensuring that continues and are working urgently in seeking responses to outstanding questions from the sector. Providers are encouraged to continue to contact Alicia Weiderman (aliciaw@nesa.com.au – 032 919 899) with queries and concerns.
We are also engaging now with NIAA on the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of the Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTECs). Alicia will be making contact with our VTEC services next week to seek feedback on the impacts of COVID-19 on your services.
TTW
The most recent TTW CEO letter outlines the upcoming changes in relation to the extension of TTW services from 12 to 18 months, movement of eligible participants from jobactive in exceptional circumstances and changes to enable authorised nominees to contact the NCSL on behalf of participants.
Click here to read a copy of the TTW CEO Letter – 7 April 2020
New Business Assistance with NEIS – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Supplement
Temporary changes have been introduced to NEIS to enable NEIS participants, should they choose to do so, to access the JobSeeker Payment, including the COVID-19 Supplement, while participating in the NEIS Program.
NEIS providers are encouraged to have conversations with existing and new NEIS participants about these arrangements.
Click here to read the most recent NEIS CEO Letter
Click here to read Coronavirus Supplement – Operational advice for NEIS providers
Background
COAG
On 3 April 2020 COAG held its third meeting. The meeting focused on the immediate steps to support and protect the interests of students, workers, training and VET providers and positioning the sector to recover quickly post COVID-19.
The Council agreed to action in three key priority areas:
- Critical skills and workforce availability
- Provider viability
- Supporting students
COVID-19 Webinar Series
NESA and our Industry Partner (Indigenous Consulting Group) has designed a new COVID-19 Webinar Series to assist employers and employees that guides you through a comprehensive series of questions and responses.
Whilst other platforms are streaming basic assistance on how to work from home and deal with “cabin” fever, this Webinar series will assist in managing fears within your team, along with a thorough information pack including a Working From Home (WFH) checklist and sample COVID-19 Organisational Policies.
Managers
- Session 1: Understanding your requirements as a leader to address COVID-19 within your organisation
- Session 2: Managing a team remotely in response to COVID-19
- Session 3: How to manage my role working from home
- Session 4: How to manage my own mental health & well being
As always the NESA Policy Team is available to discuss any queries or concerns. Please continue to contact the team via policy@nesa.com.au – 03 9624 2390.
We trust you have a well deserved break and a safe and Happy Easter in these unusual times.
19 MARCH 2020
As we are all working through the unprecedented adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to reassure you that we have been working actively with governments and stakeholders to represent the sector’s views and to advocate for immediate measures to ensure that the sector remains viable so that members can be at the front line of responding to the consequent massive health and economic shocks.
Please find briefing documentation that has recently been provided to DESE, DSS (click here) and NIAA (click here) outlining solutions for sector support to enable vital services to continue. Fundamentally, we are advocating that government assures sector stability in line with expenditure forecasts whilst various policy and programme levers are adjusted to account for the impacts.
During this period our members have been well supported by our various industry partners, including Jodi Sharman-Caminiti and the team from Marsh Advantage (click here), Paul Maguire from Maguire Consulting (click here) and Paul Licuria and the team from alffie (click here).
If you require any support or want to provide feedback on developments of the impact of the pandemic please do not hesitate to contact us. We will also be continuing our active outreach to members to check on how you and your teams are faring during this very challenging period.
