Despite the efforts of private employment agencies, the reality for most Australian jobseekers is far from the promises of long-term, stable employment. While the system is designed to help people back into the workforce, a new report reveals that the majority of jobseekers are still unable to secure lasting jobs, with just 11.7% landing roles that last 26 weeks or more.
The Struggles of Workforce Australia
The latest findings from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations show that the current employment services model, Workforce Australia, is falling short. Launched in 2022 with high hopes, the system was meant to provide tailored support to jobseekers, especially those facing barriers such as lack of experience, disability, or social disadvantage. But, as it turns out, only a small fraction of participants are managing to secure long-term work.
The report highlights a growing skills mismatch between what employers are seeking and what jobseekers are offering. Many people on the jobseeker list are not equipped with the qualifications or experience required for today’s jobs. This mismatch is a serious hurdle for agencies that are tasked with placing workers in sustainable roles. In fact, the government’s target for jobseekers achieving long-term employment (15%) hasn’t been met since Workforce Australia began, and the figure has barely budged. Only around 1 in 9 jobseekers is able to secure a job that lasts long enough to make a real difference in their lives.
A System That’s Failing Many
Advocacy groups are calling out the flaws in the system, arguing that it disproportionately fails those who are already struggling the most. For people experiencing homelessness, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, and those with limited skills, securing long-term employment can feel like an uphill battle. The system, critics say, is simply not equipped to address the complex needs of these vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, taxpayers are forking out a significant amount of money to fund this underperforming system. The cost per successful employment outcome has climbed, raising questions about whether the program is delivering good value for money. With the average investment per employment outcome sitting at $3,575, it’s hard not to wonder if this is money well spent, especially when the long-term success rate is so low, details The Guardian.
What Needs to Change?
So, what’s the solution? It’s clear that simply placing people into jobs, regardless of whether they last, isn’t enough. Jobseekers need meaningful training, better support, and access to roles that align with their skills. There also needs to be a shift in how the program works to account for the deep-rooted challenges many jobseekers face.
Ultimately, the system needs to be more adaptive and responsive to the realities of the modern labour market. As the report highlights, higher-skilled jobs are increasingly in demand, but many jobseekers are left behind. Addressing this skills gap could be key to making long-term employment a reality for more Australians.
Looking Forward
The report paints a concerning picture, but it also points to areas for improvement. With more focus on skills development and support, there’s potential for Workforce Australia to evolve into something that genuinely helps jobseekers find sustainable, long-term employment. Until then, though, it seems that many Australians will continue to struggle to break free from the cycle of short-term, unstable work.
