Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Siewert for accepting that our intent is to try to ensure that Australians can access employment. This is about trying to ensure that people with a disability get the support they need to get a job.

I would also add, Senator Siewert, that the government welcomes the Senate com­mittee's recommendation to establish an advisory committee of community organisa­tions to consult on the implementation of the measure. The government will move on this very quickly to ensure it is established and it will also involve the employment service providers.

I would also note, as a former employ­ment participation minister, that we have done a great deal to expand our disability employment service, including the uncapping. So a great deal of work has been going on at the employment end as well to ensure that the disability employment service meets the needs of job seekers. Also, the Job Service Australia model has been expanded and improved in terms of stream 3 and stream 4 regarding outcome payments.

Question put:

That the amendment (Senator Siewert's) be agreed to.

The committee divided. [17:20]

(The Temporary Chairman—Senator Mark Bishop)

Question negatived.