There are a number of issues that CSMC is always working on. ParentsNext, a fair deal for people on JobSeeker and in Workforce Australia Employment Services (the old JobActive), and the growing rate of poverty among single mothers and their children are three of them. Housing, child support and family law are other key issues.
This summer, there is some action on all three of the first ones.
ParentsNext
ParentsNext is being considered by a new Committee, in the first sign that the Albanese government might make changes. On Tuesday we had six strong advocates speaking at the public meeting in Melbourne and on Wednesday, four single mothers speaking at the public meeting in Sydney.
We are hammering the Committee on the injustice of suspending payments, the failure of a program that only works when people are forced to attend and the stress that causes mothers of young children, and the waste of tax payer funds that pay providers to hound parents. There will be a report by end of February 2023.
Workforce Australia Employment Services
Workforce Australia Employment Services are being reviewed. This is quite broad and will look at pretty much everything to do with the services – are they useful, respectful, perform well and actually help people get into good jobs in areas they want. The committee will report end September 2023.
Single mother poverty
The extent and nature of poverty in Australia is the third inquiry taking place over summer. Submissions are due 3 February 2023. We will be putting out calls for ideas, comments and involvement in writing the submission and/or speaking to the Committee at public hearings.
Any thoughts or queries about any of these, please email action@csmc.org.au
