AUWU demands apology for harassment of member by 'Help' Employment
Minister Cash and 'Help’ Employment CEO Denver Fresser must publicly apologise
A member of the Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union has been visited twice within two hours at his home by ‘Help’ Employment – a gross new level of intimidation and harassment.
We demand a public apology be issued by employment minister Michaelia Cash and ‘Help’ Employment CEO Denver Fresser.
The AUWU has investigated ‘Help’ Employment’s conduct, who claim they were conducting a ‘welfare check’. AUWU have confirmed with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment that there are no rules in place to protect jobactive participants from this type of targeted intimidation and harassment by job agencies in their own home. The department does recommend that authorities to be notified through the ‘Public Interest Certificate’ issued under the Social Security Law.
We request the Secretary work to ensure that this grey area is resolved to protect the privacy of welfare recipients.
We understand that the person who visited our member’s property is not a social worker, doctor or psychologist – it is unacceptable that ‘Help’ Employment thought it appropriate to send a staff member with no relevant training to conduct a ‘welfare’ check.
Had support been required this person was not equipped to respond safely.
Everyone has a fundamental right to privacy and to feel safe in their home. It should not be possible for a job agency to visit people at home unless explicitly requested to do so.
If this has happened to you, we encourage you to file a complaint with the department on 1800 805 260, and to also get into contact with the AUWU on 1800 289 848.
The AUWU will continue to work with government, DESE and MPs to ensure that this does not happen again; that privacy for those receiving government assistance is protected and people aren’t subjected to harassment from private entities operating on tax payers’ dollars.
Media contact: 0403 429 414 / jay at auwu.org.au
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