Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

Just by way of background: what is the proposed change, in summary? Jobseekers will no longer be able to be exempted from their mutual obligation or participation requirements where they have an illness or other circumstances affecting their ability to meet their mutual obligation requirements which is primarily attributable to drug or alcohol abuse. The measure reflects that people with substance abuse issues that prevent them from looking for work or undertaking other activities should be taking active steps to address their issues, including through appropriate treatment, rather than being exempt from the requirements.

What the government has also done is provide additional support for those who would otherwise be granted an exemption. We're investing $28.8 million in this measure to provide employment services to those no longer eligible for an exemption. This will support these jobseekers with drug and alcohol abuse issues to remain actively engaged in appropriate activities to address their barriers to work. For the very first time, through a related measure, all jobseekers with substance misuse issues will be able to undertake appropriate treatment as part of their job plan to meet their mutual obligation requirements.