Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The program to which the motion refers will be paused for new applicants from 6 December. All current Wage Connect subsidy agreements will continue as usual. This is the second consecutive year the program has been paused mid-year. The previous government should have fixed the design of the program but, like many other things, this government has been left to take action. The previous government's mismanagement has let down job seekers and the employers who would have given them an opportunity. Job seekers will still be supported by Job Services Australia providers, and providers will still be able to use the Employment Pathway Fund to pay wage subsidies.