Story perspectives

Employment Minister Unveils $312M Three-Tier Workforce Reform Amid Criticism

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth announced a three-tiered reform of the $2 billion-a-year Workforce Australia system.
Reform allocates $312 million to digital help, provider-led skill building and intensive support.
It funds a new assessment tool with $27 million, making mutual-obligation tasks tier-specific.
Critics say about 140,000 users have stayed in the same stream for five years.
2023 inquiry called the model a failure and 2025 ombudsman report found 1,000 unlawful welfare-payment suspensions.

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Story summary

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth announced a three-tiered reform of the $2 billion-a-year Workforce Australia system.
Reform allocates $312 million to digital help, provider-led skill building and intensive support.
It funds a new assessment tool with $27 million, making mutual-obligation tasks tier-specific.
Critics say about 140,000 users have stayed in the same stream for five years.
2023 inquiry called the model a failure and 2025 ombudsman report found 1,000 unlawful welfare-payment suspensions.