The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has today welcomed the launch of the first APS-run employment service pilot in South Australia.
Rather than being geared toward delivering profits for multinational businesses, the Parent Pathways program will be focused on ensuring that parents and carers who aren't in paid employment have the support they need for their personal, study or work goals.
It is voluntary, tailored to the needs of parents and carers, and run by the APS. The service will be available to parents and carers in Playford and the surrounding areas near Adelaide.
The CPSU has long advocated for the end of for-profit employment services, which have failed to deliver meaningful outcomes for job seekers and employers.
The privatised system, which is expected to cost taxpayers almost $10 billion over the 4 years, is the single biggest Commonwealth procurement outside of Defence.
The CPSU urges the Albanese Government to maintain this momentum by developing a comprehensive plan for a rebuilt Commonwealth Employment Service System, as recommended by the Rebuilding Employment Services Report. And we renew our calls for the immediate suspension of mutual obligations.
