AUWU confirms no penalties for not participating in 'mutual' obligations
JobSeekers who do not participate in 'mutual' obligations will not have payments reduced
The information included in this statement will change as of 4 August. Please see the latest information about ‘mutual’ obligations requirements here: https://auwu.substack.com/p/minister-refuses-to-provide-clarity
Published on 17 June
The AUWU has confirmed that there are no penalties for JobSeekers who do not participate in ‘mutual’ obligations activities during the current phase of reintroduction.
AUWU sought clarity from Senator Cash’s office following the release of confusing information by the employment minister. We are happy to inform income support recipients that the minister’s office has now confirmed that no penalties apply during the current phase, which began on 9 June.
People on JobSeeker and related payments have been encouraged to make contact with a service provider, however, it is now clear that there is no requirement to comply with ‘mutual’ obligations or enter into a job plan at this stage. If you choose to participate the minister said appointments “can be done online or over the phone”.
There will be no financial penalties or any demerits, nor will lack of participation during the current phase affect payments retroactively. We encourage any person who is told otherwise to contact the AUWU.
Even though income support recipients are not obliged to contact a job service provider, providers have and will continue to attempt to contact JobSeekers. There is no need to respond. JobSeekers should contact the AUWU immediately if feeling harassed or upset by employment providers’ practices.
Future obligations not yet known
The AUWU also sought information about future phases of the return to ‘mutual’ obligations requirements. The minister’s office did not provide clear guidance, saying that changes are dependent on variables such as the labour market and national cabinet deliberations.
We will continue to seek to work with Senator Cash’s office and the department of employment to lobby against the reintroduction of obligations and to ensure that clear information about changes is communicated in a timely fashion.
Media contact: 0413 261 362 / media @ auwu.org.au
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