Better Compliance Framework

1
Better Compliance Framework

• New suspension model with a focus on rapid
  engagement and re-engagement to replace breaching
• Case management of job seekers
• Recovery fee for earnings-related debt
• Income support decision making remains with
  Centrelink
• Identifying the best way to implement the
  Government model. For example using the SU19
  lodgement as a failsafe

2
Timeframe

• Consultations have been held with NESA and other
  stakeholder groups during June and July
• Implementation yet to be finalised
• Tight time frame to ensure all legislative issues
  are addressed and relevant matters included in
  purchasing arrangements

3
Suspension Model

• Job Network Role
• Client fails to attend interview or required
  activity
• Provider makes at least 2 attempts to contact
  (may include letter) where successful they
  reschedule activity
• If unsuccessful examines to assess whether
  participation report appropriate and, is so,
  lodges PR with Centrelink

4

• Centrelink Role
• On receipt of PR, an outstanding PR or
  suspension flag is raised for immediate action.
  Centrelink attempts phone contact with client
  over 2 days (also notifies by letter).
• Where contact is unsuccessful, intervene on SU19
  fortnightly lodgement day.
• Where contact is successful at contact or SU19
  lodgement determine reason for non participation.

5
Suspension Model (cont.)

• Where valid reason, no impact on payment, new
  appointment rescheduled within 48 hrs or asap.
• Where invalid reason, client advised payment
  suspended pending attendance at JNM.
• New appointment scheduled within 48 hrs or asap.
  Failure without valid reason recorded.

6

• If client attends rescheduled appointment flag is
  lifted
• If client does not attend flag remains until
  client complies. Penalty is extended until
  reconnection.

7
How Suspensions will Work

• Participation Reports (PRs)
• The provider will report non-compliance via a PR
  to Centrelink.
• Centrelink will continue to be responsible for
  making the final suspension decision.
• Vulnerable Job Seekers
• Centrelink and Providers will be able to identify
  job seekers who are vulnerable and for whom a
  suspension would not be appropriate.

8
How Suspensions will Work (cont.)

• Contacting Job Seekers before lodging a PR
• Before submitting a PR a Provider will try to
  contact a job seeker at least twice to determine
  if they have a reason for not participating. If
  contact is made and the provider decides the
  reason is valid they will NOT provide a PR with
  Centrelink, but rather will organize reconnection
  with the employment service.
• Centrelinks Role
• When a PR is received Centrelink will make 2
  attempts over 2 days to contact the job seeker by
  telephone and it will also send advice by mail.

9
How Suspensions will Work (cont.)

• If unsuccessful, contact will be made with the
  job seeker when they lodge their fortnightly
  income earnings form (SU19) and Centrelink will
  discuss the PR with them at this time.
  Centrelink will then consider whether the job
  seekers reasons were valid or invalid.
• Where the reason is valid there is no impact on
  the job seeker and Centrelink reconnects them
  with their JNM.
• Where the reason is invalid Centrelink arranges
  an interview with their JNM within 48 hours.
  JNMs will be required to notify Centrelink that
  the job seeker attended their re-connection
  appointment.

10
Issues

• Guidelines around the exercise of discretion by
  JNMs in submitting a PR
• Definition of a vulnerable job seeker
• Penalties
• Case Management
• Transition Arrangements