Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McGrath for the question. Mutual obligation means that when Australian taxpayers help out a job seeker it is expected that the job seeker do something in return. Mutual obligation is best exemplified in the new Work for the Dole program. In return for taxpayer funded income support, job seekers can participate in Work for the Dole, which gives job seekers the opportunity to gain new skills and reconnect with the labour market whilst at the same time giving something back to the community. Work for the Dole is already having positive effects for many participants and local communities right around the country.

It is also important to note that when job seekers receive taxpayer funded income support they also have a mutual obligation to work with Job Services Australia providers to connect with new jobs and, where necessary, training and access to other government support programs. As part of their obligation to work with Job Services Australia providers, job seekers are expected to attend appointments with providers to discuss progress and look at what options are available to the job seeker.

The government knows that the vast majority of job seekers do the right thing when it comes to their mutual obligation requirements. The majority of job seekers want to find work and do not want to rely on the taxpayer to support them. However, unfortunately, when it comes to keeping appointments with Job Services Australia providers, which is a condition of job seekers receiving taxpayer funded support, some job seekers are not sticking to their side of the mutual obligation bargain—and that is what we are seeking to address.