Scrap ‘punitive’ mutual obligation system for Australia’s jobseekers, job agency tells inquiry

Labor MP Julian Hill is chair of the house select committee inquiry into employment services program, Workforce Australia. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Some job agencies running the federal government’s flagship employment services program, Workforce Australia, are arguing for a review or overhaul of the mutual obligations system, with one calling for the requirements to be scrapped entirely.

A parliamentary inquiry reporting to the employment minister, Tony Burke, is currently investigating the scheme, which was established in the dying days of the former Coalition government.