Parent Pathways - a new service that provides personalised pre-employment support to eligible parents and carers of young children - has been launched by the Albanese Government.
This new program replaces the former Coalition Government's ParentsNext program, that women around the country told us was punitive, counterproductive and caused real harm.
Parent Pathways will support parent receiving Parenting Payment with young children under 6 years to achieve their education, employment and career goals, while keeping their family front and centre.
The program has been designed from the ground-up to be completely voluntary, personalised and flexible, and has been informed by extensive consultations with parents, community organisations and experts.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Murray Watt launched the new program in Adelaide and said creating a responsive, culturally appropriate service is central to Parent Pathways.
"Parents told us they wanted more choice, flexibility and tailored support," Minister Watt said.
"We've listened and we've delivered. Parent Pathways will support parents to achieve their education, employment and career goals, while keeping their family front and centre."
Parent Pathways is the first program implemented under the Government's employment services reform agenda and will include an Australian Public Service direct delivery pilot in Playford, South Australia.
Minister for Women and the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher, said the program would finally deliver better outcomes for parents, particularly women, following the Coalition's haphazard program.
"Women with young children should be supported with choices and opportunities as they plan their return to education or work," Minister Gallagher said.
"For too long, recipients of Parenting Payment with young children were penalised instead of being supported to overcome barriers to achieving their goals - whether in education, employment, or their long-term career.
"We've listened and the new Parent Pathways program will help to provide choice and empower parents to achieve their potential.
"The public service is well placed to take a greater role in delivering the program, thanks to our crucial investments to rebuild the APS' capability after a decade of Coalition neglect."
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said ensuring parents were supported back into the workforce with adequate pre-employment support is key. The reform builds on other changes for parents the Albanese Labor Government has implemented - like expanding Paid Parental Leave to 26-weeks and making it more flexible.
"Parent Pathways will provide a flexible service that values parents' caring role," Minister Rishworth said.
"We know parenting is busy work, and Parent Pathways gives parents the flexibility to engage with the program on their terms, and in ways that fit around their family life.
"Parent Pathways recognises parents have complex and varied challenges. It will deliver culturally sensitive and trauma-informed services."
Minister Watt said the findings of the Select Committee inquiry highlighted the need for stronger stewardship of the system by the Australian Public Service.
"The Albanese Government has committed to rebuilding the capability of the public service to deliver better outcomes and policy for the community," Minister Watt said.
"As part of this commitment, my department will be directly delivering a Parent Pathways service here in Playford.
"This pilot will help uplift the public service's capability in service delivery, and will provide direct on-the-ground insights into the support needs of parents and carers."
To find out if you are eligible for Parent Pathways and the location of the nearest provider, visit the Parent Pathways website at Parent Pathways - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government (dewr.gov.au).
