Individual Case (CAS) - Discussion: 2024, Publication: 112nd ILC session (2024)

Written information provided by the Government

Active policy designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment (Article 1)

• delivering sustained and inclusive full employment;
• promoting job security and strong, sustainable wage growth;
• reigniting productivity growth;
• filling skills needs and building our future workforce;
• overcoming barriers to employment and broadening opportunity.

Employment trends and active labour market measures

Youth employment

Women

Indigenous peoples

Participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of employment policies

Discussion by the Committee

• on employment trends and active labour market trends, the use of non-standard work arrangements with no pathways to higher-quality jobs;
• on youth employment, the exclusion of youth employment programmes from the protection of OSH legislation, the failure of the Youth Jobs PaTH programme to provide meaningful qualification to participants, and potentially displacing wage-paying jobs;
• on the employment of women, the over-representation of women in insecure, low-paid jobs and the lack of adequate paid parental leave and affordable childcare options forcing women into part-time jobs;
• on indigenous peoples, the CDP and its provision of low-quality jobs to participants who identify as indigenous. The CDP workers are not classified as workers, receive wages well below the minimum wage and are not protected under OSH protections, annual leave or sick leave;
• the failure of the Government to consult the ACTU on matters of employment policies.

• (1) delivering sustained and inclusive full employment;
• (2) promoting job security and strong, sustainable wage growth;
• (3) reigniting productivity growth;
• (4) filling skills needs and building our future workforce;
• (5) overcoming barriers to employment and broadening opportunity.

• adding "job security" as a central objective of the Fair Work Act, meaning that Australia’s workplace tribunal, the Fair Work Commission, must consider the objective of job security when performing its functions.
• restricting the use of fixed-term contracts to two years or two consecutive contracts (whichever is shorter).
• legislating a definition of “casual employee” that takes into account the reality of the employment relationship and providing a pathway for a casual worker to convert to permanency.
• ensuring that labour hire workers receive the same pay as directly employed workers on agreements doing the same work.
• enabling “employee-like” workers engaged by a digital labour platform to be covered by minimum standards and allowing workers to challenge “unfair deactivations”.

• adding “gender equality” as a central objective of the Fair Work Act;
• strengthening the right to request flexible working arrangements and giving the Fair Work Commission additional powers to arbitrate over flexible work requests – which will enable women and parents to better balance work and care and improve their workforce participation;
• addressing women’s safety at work by introducing a prohibition on sexual harassment in the Fair Work Act and strengthened protections against discrimination;
• measures to close the gender pay gap, including:
  • introducing multi-employer bargaining in female-dominated industries, such as aged care and early childhood education and care;
  • pay increases for aged care workers to account for the historic undervaluation of care work;
  • introducing superannuation on paid parental leave; and
  • prohibiting pay secrecy clauses in employment contracts that hide pay discrimination against women and giving workers the right to disclose their remuneration.

• They have abolished the Youth Jobs PaTH Internship programme which exploited young workers and displaced wage-paying jobs.
• They have committed to replacing the exploitative CDP, which was primarily targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in remote areas, with a programme developed in consultation with First Nations peoples.

• further action to eliminate the pay gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers and non-indigenous workers, and improve job security and employment rates for indigenous workers;
• further expanding and improving paid parental leave, and further steps to close the gender pay gap and remove barriers to women’s workforce participation;
• abolishing youth wages and unpaid internships;
• increasing social security payments to ensure that jobseekers and others receiving social security are able to keep up with the rising cost of living and live in dignity.

Conclusions of the Committee

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2009, including replies to the matters raised in its 2007 direct request, evaluation data concerning the Welfare to Work reforms, and further information provided by the governments of South Australia and Western Australia. The Committee notes the comments received from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

Employment trends and active labour market measures. The Government indicates that the effects of the global economic crisis in Australia resulted in an increase in the unemployment rate as redundancies grew, skills shortages remained in particular industries and some locations, and certain industries faced these issues combined with the effects of an ageing workforce. The Government reports that it responded with a comprehensive package of programmes and employment services reforms. The Committee notes that Australia’s unemployment rate has risen from 3.9 per cent in February 2008 to 5.8 per cent in July 2009, an increase of almost 40 per cent and the highest rate in almost six years. In its 2007 direct request, the Committee recalled that the Convention has a critical role to play in combating poverty and promoting social cohesion. The Government indicates in its report that it believes that all Australians should have the opportunity and capacity to play a role in all aspects of Australian life. The Government further reports that the Social Inclusion Agenda works, among other goals, to afford every Australian the opportunity to secure a job. In order to progress the Social Inclusion Agenda, the Government has created several new departments, e.g. the Ministry for Social Inclusion in Australia; a Parliamentary Secretariat with specific responsibility for social inclusion; a Social Inclusion Unit located in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; and the Australian Social Inclusion Board. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information and evaluation data on the impact of the various labour market reform measures undertaken on the employment situation, and information on the involvement of the social partners in the design and implementation of an active employment policy in accordance with the Convention (Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention).

Employment services. The Committee notes that since the previous report, the Government undertook a comprehensive review of the delivery of employment assistance programmes. The Government implemented Job Services Australia in July 2009, which replaced the Job Network, the Active Participation Model and a number of other smaller programmes. The Government reports that under Job Services Australia, jobseekers will no longer be moving in and out of different programmes, or from one provider to another. Every jobseeker will be linked to a provider of their choice, who will develop an individually tailored plan to assist the jobseeker in gaining employment. This plan will bring together the various types of assistance – vocational and non-vocational – needed to address the barriers faced by that individual. The Committee notes that the ACTU has welcomed the Government’s announced changes to the employment services to include a greater focus on disadvantaged jobseekers, employer servicing and local labour markets. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the effects of the changes to employment services with regard to the objectives of the Convention.

Education and training policies. The Committee notes that under the Skilling Australia for the Future initiative, the Government has funded the Productivity Places Program which will deliver 711,000 training places over five years in areas of skills shortage to ensure that Australian workers develop the skills they need. The Government reports that these training places are being delivered in an industry-driven system, ensuring that training is more responsive to the needs of businesses and participants. Of the places, 392,000 training places will be allocated to existing workers wanting to gain or upgrade their skills, and 319,000 places will be allocated to jobseekers. The Government further reports that it has introduced the Jobs and Training Compact to support young Australians, retrenched workers and local communities get back to work, add to their skills, or learn the new skills required to obtain jobs as the labour market recovers. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken in the area of education and training policies and on their relation to prospective employment opportunities. The Committee also invites the Government to provide evaluation data on the Jobs and Training Compact.

Means to promote employment of workers with disabilities. The Committee notes that, as part of its Social Inclusion Agenda, the Government is developing a National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including mental illness. The Strategy will be released in 2009 and is being developed following consultations with people with disabilities, peak bodies, service providers, employers and unions. The Government reports that it has already started implementing some early and important elements of the Strategy, including developing the new disability employment services and an employment incentive pilot. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Government is investing 1.2 billion AUD in the new Disability Employment Services which will commence in March 2010, and will help jobseekers with disabilities to secure and maintain sustainable employment. Under these changes, all jobseekers with disabilities will have access to individually tailored employment services that are better suited to their needs, with stronger links to training and skills development. The Committee also notes the commitment in South Australia to double the number of people with disabilities employed in the public sector by 2014. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on labour market measures regarding workers with disabilities and evaluation data on the Disability Employment Services.

Means to promote employment of older workers and younger workers. The Government indicates that despite a strong labour market over the past decade, there are still groups of people who experience labour market disadvantages. These groups will face further challenges in the context of the global economic recession – for example, young people who are out of work in a recession can find it particularly hard to recover once conditions improve. The Government indicates that it has agreed to establish a Compact with Young Australians which will entitle every Australian under the age of 25 to an education or training place. Through the Compact, a national “learning or earning” requirement (the National Youth Participation Requirement) will also ensure that all young people complete standard 10 and participate in education, training or employment until the age of 17. The Committee also notes the South Australia Works initiative which has developed a number of programmes aimed at providing young people aged 16–24 with skills and opportunities to move successfully from school, further education and training or unemployment, into stable, rewarding work. Concerning older workers, the Government reports that participation requirements for mature age jobseekers were examined by the Participation Review Taskforce. The Taskforce concluded that adult jobseekers should have the same participation requirements as other jobseekers but that any changes should be preceded by broader Government action to ameliorate negative attitudes towards adult workers. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the measures intended to encourage and support employment levels of older workers. It also asks the Government to include in its next report information on the way in which recently adopted measures have increased opportunities for lasting employment for young people entering working life.

Means to promote employment of indigenous peoples. In reply to the previous comments, the Government reports that it recognizes the particular disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the labour market and that special measures are required to assist indigenous jobseekers into employment. Indigenous jobseekers are more heavily represented in regional and remote employment service areas than in metropolitan areas. The Government indicates that in June 2009, there were approximately 18,700 active registered indigenous jobseekers (4 per cent of total jobseekers) in metropolitan areas, whereas the numbers in regional areas was around 43,300 (13 per cent) and in remote areas 25,300 (80 per cent). Overall, indigenous jobseekers made up 11 per cent of that total Job Network active case load. The Government further reports that, in the 2008–09 fiscal year, Job Network members and other job placement organizations placed 38,000 indigenous jobseekers into work. Job Services Australia, which replaced Job Network on 1 July 2009, has an increased emphasis on assisting the most disadvantaged jobseekers, including many indigenous peoples. All Job Services Australia providers have a new requirement to develop and implement an indigenous employment strategy to increase the employment and retention of indigenous peoples within their organizations. Furthermore, the Committee notes the main findings in the 2009 Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Report, indicating that between 2001 and 2006 there were improvements in the indigenous unemployment rate, labour force participation rate and the employment to population ratio, although large gaps still remain between the indigenous and non-indigenous population. The Committee notes the comments formulated by the ACTU, which believes that sustainable, real employment is one of the corner stones in bridging the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the remainder of the population. The ACTU is concerned that aspects of the National Indigenous Employment Policy may be “more of the same” and suggests that historically these programmes produce few real employment outcomes with many participants finding themselves out of work once Government funding commitments have ceased. The ACTU believes employers, Government, unions and communities should work together to increase employment programmes and training producing long-term engagement in the workforce. The Committee invites the Government and the social partners to continue to provide information on the impact of the measures taken to promote productive employment opportunities for indigenous people.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes the Government’s simplified report for the period ending in June 2007, as well as the replies to the matters raised in its previous direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Employment trends and active labour market policies. The Government indicates that employment increased by 4.7 per cent, the equivalent of 464,900 jobs, between June 2005 and May 2007. The labour force participation rate reached a record high of 65 per cent in May 2007 with a participation rate of 57.8 per cent for women, which is also a record high. Unemployment has continued to decrease and was measured at 4.2 per cent in this same period, its lowest level since 1974. Since its last report, the Government has adopted the Workplace Relations Amendment (Work Choices) Act, 2005 which establishes the Australian Fair Pay Commission to determine and adjust minimum wages. The Commission also aims to promote economic prosperity in regard to the capacity for the unemployed and low-paid persons to obtain and remain in employment as well as to promote employment and competitiveness across the country. The Government also introduced a comprehensive reform of the welfare system in July 2006 aiming to increase the workforce participation of individuals who have been traditionally outside the labour market. Early analysis from the “Welfare to work” initiative indicates positive trends for parents and persons with disabilities. Under “Welfare to work” reforms implemented in July 2006, the Government invested 3.6 billion AUD to increase workforce participation for parents, persons with disabilities, older age persons and people that have been unemployed for a longer period of time. The Committee would appreciate receiving in the Government’s next report, the results of any evaluation done by the relevant authorities and the social partners on the impact of the “Welfare to work” reforms in terms of productive employment generation.

2. Means to promote employment of older workers and younger workers. The Government notes that the participation rate for persons aged between 45 and 64 has increased from 70.3 per cent in June 2005 to 72 per cent in May 2007. Although, the unemployment rate for this group of workers was measured at 2.6 per cent in May 2007 and remains below that of persons aged 15 to 44, the Government indicates that the average duration of unemployment for older workers is over 57 weeks compared to 28 weeks for younger workers. The unemployment rate for 15 to 19 year olds fell from 19.5 per cent in June 2005 to 17.6 per cent in May 2007 and the unemployment rate for 20 to 24 year olds has also decreased from 8.1 per cent in June 2005 to 6.3 per cent in May 2007. The Committee asks the Government to include in its next report information on the measures implemented in facilitating the reintegration of older workers in the labour market as well as to reduce the unemployment rate of younger workers.

3. Means to promote employment of indigenous people. The Government indicates that the national unemployment rate for indigenous persons aged 15 years and over has improved from 18.3 per cent in 2002 to 14.3 per cent in 2006. The report also indicates that indigenous jobseekers account for 11 per cent of the total number of jobseekers with a higher percentage measured in regional and remote areas. The Government plans to increase indigenous economic independence by providing a range of employment programmes and assisting members of this group in finding jobs by cooperating with employers. For the period 2006–07, Job Network members and other job placement organizations placed 50,100 indigenous people into work. This figure is twice the amount measured for the period 2003–04. The Committee recalls that Convention No. 122 has a “critical role to play in combating poverty and promoting social cohesion” (paragraph 495 of the 2003 General Survey on employment promotion), and asks once again to be kept informed on the impact of the measures taken to promote productive employment opportunities for indigenous people.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report on the composition of the Welfare to Work Consultative Forum and the Disability Advisory Group which includes representatives from employer and worker organizations. The Committee recalls that the Convention asks Governments to ensure that workers and employers organizations as well as other interested groups are to be consulted “with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views”. It asks the Government to keep providing information on the manner in which the views of employers, workers and other affected groups are taken sufficiently into account in the development, implementation and review of employment policies and programmes.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes the comprehensive information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending in June 2005, as well as the detailed replies in response to its 2003 direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government indicates that it contributes to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment through supporting jobseekers with income support and providing customized active labour market assistance through the Job Network that operates within the framework of the Active Participation Model (APM). The APM, introduced in July 2003, offers simplified access and streamlined services, while providing jobseekers with continuous service that increases on the basis of time unemployed and individual need. These measures are supported by targeted industry strategies that improve connections between employers and employment services. In response to the need to increase workforce participation, the Government indicates that it has announced, in its 2005-06 budget, a comprehensive reform of the welfare system. The key focus of the reform is on increasing the workforce participation of individuals who have been traditionally outside the labour market - parents, mature age jobseekers, people with disabilities and the very long-term unemployed - while maintaining a strong safety net for those who need it. The Committee asks the Government to keep providing in its next report any available assessment of the effect which the reforms in the welfare system have had on employment. The Committee also requests that the Government give information on parents traditionally outside the labour market and on the specific reforms designed to increase their labour market participation.

2. For the period covered by the report, the Government indicates that employment growth has been particularly strong. The data contained in the Government’s report for that period show that during this period:

-  the level of unemployment decreased by 1.2 per cent to 528,500, to stand at 5.0 per cent, its lowest level since November 1976;

-  the female labour force participation rate has risen from 56.1 to 57.2 per cent while the male labour force participation rate has increased by 0.9 percentage points to 72.4 per cent;

-  the number of people who were long-term unemployed declined by 41,300, falling by 27,400 for males and by 13,800 for females;

-  despite varying patterns of labour-market activity, employment has increased by 571,900 or 6.1 per cent;

-  the unemployment rate for older jobseekers stood at 2.9 per cent in June 2005 and remains well below that for persons aged 15 to 44;

-  the unemployment rate for teenage workers (aged 15-19 years old) fell by 2.0 per cent reaching 19.8 per cent;

-  the unemployment rate for non-English speakers decreased from 7.9 per cent in June 2003 to 6.2 per cent in June 2005.

3. In reference to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government states that there was a marked improvement in both the number of placements and the number of long-term jobs achieved for jobseekers by Job Network members and other job placement organizations. In the 2004-05 financial year, there were over 665,800 placements recorded by Job Network members and other job placement organizations, which represents an increase of 29 per cent from the previous year. The Committee takes due note of these data and asks the Government to continue to provide information on the outcome of these programmes, and on progress made in improving equity of access and balancing quality and flexibility.

4. Further to previous comments concerning the implementation of a programme of further assistance for indigenous Australians: Australians Working Together, the Government indicates that more indigenous jobseekers access Australia’s mainstream employment service, Job Network, than other elements of the indigenous Employment Policy combined. In the financial year 2004-05, a total of over 9,900 long-term jobs were recorded by Job Network members and other job placement organizations for Indigenous jobseekers, more than double the previous year. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on promotion of employment for indigenous people.

5. Participation of the social partners. In reference to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government explains that social partners are widely consulted on reforms and programmes with an impact on employment. It refers to the consultations that took place in connection with the Job Network, the Australians Working Together programme and the reforms in the welfare system. The Government also indicates that similar consultations will take place to help the implementation of the Welfare-to-Work package announced in the 2005-06 budget. The Committee has taken note of this information and trusts that the Government will continue to provide, in its next report, updated information on how representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations are regularly consulted on employment promotion issues (Article 3).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the comprehensive information contained in the Government’s reports for the period ending in June 2003 as well as the detailed replies in response to 2001 comments. It also notes the informative contribution made by the State of New South Wales in 2002.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that, notwithstanding weak global economic conditions, labour market conditions have not deteriorated significantly. The data contained in the Government’s report for the three years to June 2003 show that during this period:

-  the level of unemployment increased by 2 per cent to 618,700. The unemployment rate peaked during this period at 6.9 per cent from July to October 2001, before declining to 6.1 per cent;

-  the female labour force participation rate has risen from 55 to 56.1 per cent while the male labour force participation rate has fallen by 0.9 percentage points to 71.8 per cent;

-  the number of people who were long-term unemployed declined by 19,700, falling by 15,300 for males and by 4,400 for females;

-  despite varying patterns of labour market activity, employment has increased by 429,600 or 4.7 per cent, at an annual rate of 1.6 per cent;

-  the unemployment rate for older jobseekers fell by 0.2 percentage points, compared with an increase of 0.1 percentage points for those aged under 45;

-  the unemployment rate for teenage workers (aged 15-19 years old) rose by 1.6 per cent reaching 21.8 per cent;

-  the unemployment rate for non-English speakers decreased slightly from 8.1 per cent in February 2000 to 7.9 per cent in June 2003.

2. In reference to the Committee’s previous comments the Government states that the job network is now in its third employment services contract which commenced on 1 July 2003. The third stage differs from the previous two in that approximately 60 per cent of nationally available job network services and the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) business was allocated to the highest performing intensive-assistance, job-search training and NEIS providers under the second contract period. The remaining 40 per cent of business was selected through a competitive tender process. Through this process the Government seeks to deliver a better quality of assistance to unemployed people, leading to stronger and more sustainable employment outcomes while achieving a better value for money in the expenditure of public funds. Please continue to provide information on the outcome of these programmes, and on progress made in improving equity of access and balancing quality and flexibility.

3. The Committee notes that in the document entitled "Participation support for a more equitable society" the Government sets out strategic directions for fundamental reforms to the welfare system over the short, medium and long term. The recommendations are underpinned by five key reform principles: individualized service delivery; a simpler income support system; incentives and financial assistance; mutual obligation; and social partnerships. It also explains that the reform package focused on better welfare services, improved incentives to work and fair requirements for those receiving a welfare benefit. The Committee asks the Government to supply in its next report any available assessment of the effect which the reforms in the welfare system have had on employment.

4. Further to previous comments, the Government states that it has implemented a programme of further assistance for indigenous Australians: Australians Working Together. The programme seeks the establishment of indigenous employment centres (IEC) to offer mentoring, work experience, job-search support and access to training. The IECs will assist up to 10,000 community development employment project participants to find work. The programme also includes community participation agreements to identify practical ways that remote indigenous Australians can contribute in return for the income support payment, 12 remote area servicing centres and increased education and training assistance for 1,600 indigenous secondary-school students and 2,300 indigenous students in vocational education and training. In 2000-01 a total of 6,610 jobs were created through the Indigenous Employment Programme. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive statistical information on the impact of these programmes on promotion of employment for indigenous people.

5. Article 3. In reference to the Committee’s previous comments the Government explains that social partners are widely consulted on reforms and programmes with an impact on employment. It refers to the consultations that took place in connection with the job network, the Australians Working Together programme and the reforms in the welfare system. The Committee has taken note of this information and trusts that the Government will provide, in its next report, updated information on how representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations are regularly consulted on employment promotion issues.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 2000, as well as the information provided by the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that employment growth was strong during 1997-2000, averaging 2.3 per cent per year from July 1998 to May 2000. During 1998-99, employment growth was 1.7 per cent. During 1999-2000, employment growth was 2.8 per cent. Industries with the most employment growth include services, construction and communication services. The labour force participation rate was 63.2 per cent in 1998-99 and 63.3 per cent in 1999-2000. Unemployment fell from 8.1 per cent in July 1998 to 6.1 per cent in May 2000, which is the lowest level since June 1990. Long-term unemployment as a percentage of total unemployment was 28.6 per cent in May 2000. The unemployment rate for teenage workers (15-19 years of age) decreased from 28.4 per cent in July 1998 to 21.4 per cent in May 2000 and full-time employment grew by 9.8 per cent between July 1998 and May 2000. Unemployment among non-English speakers fell from 16.3 per cent in 1993 to 8.1 per cent in February 2000.

2. The Government aims to promote employment through economic growth, regulatory reform of small business and reform of the workplace relations system. The Government’s macroeconomic policy aims to increase national savings, balance budgets over the economic cycle, decrease the national debt and promote general economic stability and low inflation.

3. In response to previous comments, the Government explains that the proportion of workers over 45 years of age is increasing. The increasing participation rate of this cohort is mainly due to the entry of more women into the labour market. The rate of unemployment for this age group is lower than the total, but the average duration is 86.5 weeks, which is much higher than the general average. Please continue to furnish information on progress made in promoting employment of older workers, particularly those who have been unemployed for more than 12 months.

4. Article 2. The Committee notes that the job network is to be evaluated in three stages. The Government states that the first stage has been completed. According to the findings, implementation went well - quality of service provided has increased and is more tailored to the individual. Areas for improvement identified in the evaluation include equity of access and balancing quality of service with flexibility. The second stage was to be completed by the end of 2000 and the third stage by 2001. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on the outcome of these latter evaluations, and on progress made in improving equity of access and balancing quality and flexibility.

5. The Committee notes that the Mutual Obligation Arrangement requires people up to 35 years of age to either participate in training or the Work for the Dole Programme. The evaluation of the pilot project indicated that three months after completing a dole job, 34 per cent of participants were working and another 23 per cent had found part-time work. Please continue to supply information on the outcome of the long-term impact of these programmes on employment promotion.

6. Further to previous comments, the Government states that it has implemented a Regional Assistance Programme to develop mainly rural and remote areas. It provides seed funding for community projects, as well as job network services. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the impact of these programmes on employment promotion in rural areas.

7. The Committee notes that the Government’s goals concerning indigenous people include increasing the participation rate, implementing community development projects and providing support to small businesses. It would appreciate receiving statistical information on the impact of these programmes on promotion of employment for indigenous people.

8. Article 3, in conjunction with Article 2. The Government states that the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB) evaluates employment programmes and that the Productivity Commission and National Competitiveness Council also conduct evaluations. Please provide information on whether representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, or representatives of other groups affected, are consulted during the evaluation process. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Council of Social Services and the National Employment Services Association regularly meet with the Minister for Employment. Please supply further information on how representatives of workers’ organizations are regularly consulted on employment promotion issues.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes with interest that the Government has amended the Workplace Relations Act with the aim of promoting employment by accommodating the needs of workers, particularly older workers and women. The amendments permit employers and workers to negotiate alternative working arrangements, such as job sharing, part-time work and gradual phasing in of retirement. An employer is now prohibited from firing an older worker unless he or she can prove that the age limit is an inherent requirement of the job; and compulsory retirement at 65 years of age in the public sector has been abolished. There are also special programmes to help the re-entry of people who have left the labour market to care for others. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the impact of the Workplace Relations Act on employment promotion.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the detailed and informative report submitted by the Government concerning the implementation of the National Job Creation Strategy and evaluation of the various programmes. The Government states that the major source of growth of employment has been part-time employment, although growth of full-time employment picked up in 1997 and 1998. According to the OECD Employment Outlook 1999, a persistently high proportion of female labour force participants are in part-time employment (40.7 per cent in 1998). Although many of these part-time jobs are permanent, the growth in casual part-time work has increased more rapidly. The OECD Employment Outlook 1999 also indicates that there has been a substantial increase in the long-term unemployment of men, from 24.4 per cent of male unemployment in 1990 to 36.5 per cent in 1998. During this same time, there was a substantial decrease in public expenditure on labour market training for the unemployed, from 0.16 per cent of GDP in 1994-95 to 0.06 per cent in 1997-98, and the participation rate of the unemployed in training schemes fell from 3.7 per cent in 1994-95 to 1.6 per cent in 1997-98. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment as they affect various categories of workers, such as part-time workers seeking full-time work and the long-term unemployed, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee also notes with interest the decline in unemployment among older workers, despite an increase in the participation rate for this cohort. It would appreciate receiving further details on the specific policies underlying this change. Lastly, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report information on policies to promote balanced regional development and assist areas with particularly high levels of unemployment.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

1. The Committee took note with interest of the Government's report for the period ending June 1996, which contains extensive and detailed information together with a series of relevant documents. It notes that the upturn in employment growth, which was already perceptible at the end of the previous period, has been confirmed with an average annual rate of 4 per cent in 1994-95 and 2.6 per cent in 1995-96; despite the increase in activity rates, particularly for women, this enabled the unemployment rate to be reduced to 8.5 per cent in 1996 from 9.7 per cent in 1994. The share of long-term unemployment, which stood at 36 per cent in 1994, was reduced to under 30 per cent of total unemployment in 1996.

2. The Government which took office in March 1996 states that it has undertaken to implement a National Job Creation Strategy which is designed to increase the employment growth rate for all Australians, in particular young people, by creating a climate favourable to economic growth. The medium-term budget policy aims to reduce the public deficit so as to increase the national savings available for the financing of private activity. Industrial and commercial policy is designed to accelerate the internationalization of the economy, while minimizing the cost of structural adjustment by means of regional or sectoral measures. In addition, wage policy emphasizes decentralized negotiation at enterprise level so as to guarantee the labour market flexibility necessary to create jobs. Noting that the aim which the previous Government had set itself of achieving an unemployment rate of around 5 per cent by the end of the decade, has not been retained, the Committee hopes that the next report will contain an interim assessment of the way in which the new economic policies are helping to further the employment goals of the Convention and in particular on any impact on general wage levels.

3. The Committee also notes the detailed information provided on active labour market policy measures and the assessment of their effectiveness. In particular, it notes that special efforts continue to be devoted to reintegrating the long-term unemployed. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide such information and to describe the reforms undertaken to improve the results obtained by these measures. It also notes the provisions creating closer links between the payment of benefits and the active search for employment, and requests the Government to continue to provide information on any new measures taken with a view to achieving better coordination between the mechanisms supporting the income of unemployed people and employment promotion. Finally, the Committee notes that, following the repeal of the Training Guarantee Act, reforms have been undertaken to better adapt training to the needs of employers and employees. The Committee invites the Government to describe any new measures for the coordination of education and training policies with employment prospects, taking also into account the provisions of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994, which contains full and detailed information and transmits useful documentation in annex. The Government states that, following the emergence of the economy from recession, employment started to improve from the end of 1993. Although moderate at first, the growth of employment accelerated in 1994, making it possible to bring the unemployment rate down to 9.7 per cent, as compared with 10.7 per cent in 1992. According to the OECD, this trend for the unemployment rate to fall has continued since the end of the reporting period, reaching a rate of 8.7 per cent in June 1995. The proportion of long-term unemployment, which accounted for 39 per cent of total unemployment at the end of 1993, began to decline and reached the level of 36 per cent in 1994.

2. Despite the improvements over the reporting period, the Government continues to consider that the level of unemployment remains unacceptable. The Committee notes that when the Government submitted its White Paper on Employment and Growth to Parliament in May 1994, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to the achievement of the objective of full employment and stated that the White Paper should be considered as a reaffirmation of the principle of the right of everyone to work. The strategy is based on economic growth, which is considered to be the necessary prerequisite, although not sufficient in itself, for the reduction of unemployment. The Government therefore decided to intervene directly on the labour market and set the objective of achieving an unemployment rate of around 5 per cent by the end of the decade. The priority accorded to employment promotion has also been endorsed by the comprehensive Accord concluded with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), which includes the creation of a minimum of 500,000 jobs over the period 1993-96 among its fundamental objectives. The Government describes in detail in its report the principal economic instruments adopted to promote the expansion of the economy and of employment: monetary policy is designed to contain inflation and decrease interest rates, while budgetary policy, although remaining active, is designed to balance public finances in the medium term through a renewal of growth. The wages policy agreed with the ACTU has to contribute to containing inflation and improving the competitiveness of the economy by linking wage increases to productivity increases in the context of decentralized negotiations. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on the achievement of the objectives set in the fields of employment and unemployment, as well as on the manner in which the measures adopted to promote employment are decided upon and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, in consultation with the representatives of employers and workers, in accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention.

3. The Government also provides substantial information on the active labour market policy measures implemented under the initiatives set out in the White Paper. The Committee notes the particular attention paid to the long-term unemployed, who benefit from individual case management and adapted training and employment service support. It also notes the series of programmes intended to promote the vocational integration of young persons, women, aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on the implementation of these programmes. Noting that the Training Guarantee Act of 1990 has been suspended for two years, following its first evaluation, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the new measures adopted to promote entry-level training and further training by enterprises.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1992, which as usual, contains detailed information in reply to each of the questions contained in the report form and supplies valuable documents annexed to the report. The Government states that the high growth in employment which had characterized the previous reporting period was reversed as from the middle of 1990. Since then, total employment has declined by 2.3 per cent (and full-time employment by nearly 6 per cent). In view of the maintenance of a high participation rate, particularly among women, the unemployment rate, which was below 7 per cent in 1990, increased rapidly up to nearly 11 per cent in 1992-93. The Government considers that this level of unemployment is "unacceptably high" and is concerned that long-term unemployment erodes the dignity of workers and social cohesion.

2. For the Government, the particular difficulties encountered in achieving the objectives set out in the Convention are principally associated with the economic recession. Although it states that it is convinced that the key to reducing unemployment is sustained and strong growth, it nevertheless considers that, due to the long process of restructuring which has been embarked upon, employment is likely to respond more gradually to the recovery in demand than in previous recoveries. Furthermore, the Government of South Australia also draws attention to the foreseeable consequences on employment of the deregulation of trade: according to its estimates, the progressive reduction of customs tariffs between 1992 and 2000 will result in a 20 per cent reduction in employment in South Australia.

3. The Committee notes with interest that the Government reaffirms in this context that full employment remains a fundamental objective, as illustrated for example by the document issued to accompany the presentation of the 1992-93 budget, which is attached to the report. The economic policy, which is aimed at improving the medium and long-term growth prospects of the economy, which are necessary for a lasting increase in employment and a rise in living standards, is based on containing the increase in real wages, including minimum wages, by means of the prices and wages agreement concluded with the trade union movement, measures to combat inflation which have resulted in a significant decrease in interest rates, and the pursual of fiscal reforms to encourage investment by enterprises. The Government also states that, in the short term, its budget policy has become more stimulatory by allowing an increase in the budget deficit and undertaking new expenditure with a view to stimulating economic activity and employment. In view of the results obtained in respect of inflation and interest rates, and the persistance of a high unemployment rate, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to indicate the manner which, in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention, measures adopted to promote employment are decided upon and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy".

4. The Committee also notes the information concerning the labour market policy measures adopted by the federal Government and by the States. Expenditure on these programmes practically doubled between 1991-92 and 1992-93. For the Government, in view of the need for competitiveness, the flexibility and "efficiency" of the labour market are vital factors in the adjustment process. In the context of the globalization of the economy and the resulting pressures, high priority is therefore given by both the federal Government and state governments, to the training and mobility of the workforce. In this respect, the Government of Queensland emphasizes that skills development is a responsibility which the Government has to share with enterprises, which derive economic benefit from it. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply the evaluation, which is planned for 1994, of the application of the Training Guarantee Act of 1990, which places enterprises under an obligation to allocate a certain level of expenditure to financing training activities. The Government also describes the new system of unemployment protection which came into force in July 1991, which marks a closer liaison between unemployment benefit and programmes of active measures. Finally, the report also describes inter-ministerial iniatiatives to promote the employment of women, persons with disabilities and older workers. The Committee requests the Government to supply all available information in its next report on the impact of the various employment measures on the persons concerned.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

1. The Committee has taken note of the Government's detailed report for the period ending June 1990, which contains replies to its previous observation. It notes that the rapid growth of employment continued during the period under consideration; total employment increased by 3.8 per cent in 1989-90, particularly to the advantage of women. Despite the increase in already high participation rates, the unemployment rate was reduced from 7.3 per cent in June 1988 to 6.4 per cent in June 1990. However, the Government mentions in its report a slow-down in economic growth at the beginning of 1990. This trend, inimical to employment, has grown more marked since the end of the period covered by the report, and the recession that began in mid-1990 has led to a swift increase in the unemployment rate, which according to OECD was close to 10 per cent by mid-1991.

2. The Committee notes the full information supplied by the Government concerning the objectives of its economic policy in relation to employment. The thrust of budgetary and monetary policy has been to reduce inflation and public indebtedness in the medium term; fiscal policy is designed to create a favourable environment for investment and employment, whereas price and incomes policy continues to aim, pursuant to the agreement between the federal Government and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), at wage moderation, labour flexibility and improved productivity. The Committee further notes with interest the far-reaching current reform of wage-fixing methods: applying the "Structural Efficiency Principle", the Australian Industrial Relations Commission has undertaken an overhaul of the system of industrial awards designed to eliminate impediments to the mobility and qualification of workers so as to afford them access to more varied, more fulfilling and better-paid jobs. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report any available assessment of the effect which the changes in the wage fixation system have had on the employment market.

3. As part of its labour market policy, the Government has endeavoured to strengthen the vocational training provided by undertakings and by education and training institutions. The Government's expenditure on training has been increased and the Training Guarantee Act 1990 now places undertakings under an obligation to allocate a certain level of expenditure to financing approved training activities. The Committee notes further the information given concerning training programmes to encourage integration or reintegration in the labour market, supplied by the Government in its report on the application of the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to supply information on the development of these programmes and their effects on the employment of the categories of persons concerned.

4. The Committee has taken note of the information concerning objectives designed to promote reform of the labour market and structural adjustment in industry through action on the practices of labour and management, the organisation of work, and industrial relations. It has also taken note of the initiative which was announced in the Government's economic policy statement of February 1990 and which is designed to restructure measures of aid to the unemployed and to institute reform of employment programmes. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the follow-up of the these reform programmes. More generally it hopes, having regard to the recent developments in the employment market situation referred to above, that the Government will state in its next report whether it has proceeded under Article 2 of the Convention to re-examine, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, the measures to be adopted in order to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, as a major goal in accordance with Article 1.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

1. The Committee has noted the Government's helpful and detailed report for the period ending June 1988, containing replies to the previous observation. It notes in particular the enactment of the Employment, Education and Training Act (No. 80 of 1988) which aims at providing a co-ordinated framework of advisory structures in employment, education and training. The report, recognising that labour market outcomes are the result of a broad range of macroeconomic and microeconomic policies, describes the Government's policies in various fields as they relate to employment: such as fiscal and monetary policies; investment policies including tax reforms; industry and trade policies including reducing significantly assistance to industry; and prices, incomes and wages policies including the introduction of a two-tiered wage system by the National Wage Case decision of 10 March 1987, with a view to replacing the system of wage indexation which had operated since 1983. As to the labour market policies, the Government indicates the shift in emphasis in favour of education and training, moving away from job-creation activity lacking a formal training element, as well as the high priority given to assisting the long-term unemployed and other particularly disadvantaged persons.

2. The Committee notes with interest a variety of schemes and programmes for job creation and employment assistance and for education and training referred to in the report, some of which have recently been undergoing revision and reorganisation (for example, the abolition in 1987, in line with the above-mentioned shift in emphasis in government policy, of a short-term job creation scheme, the Community Employment Programme; the integration of some community-based assistance programmes into a new one called "Skillshare" targeted specifically at long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged groups).

3. The Committee notes the Government's indication that strong employment growth in 1987-88 (with full-time employment rising by 2.4 per cent and part-time employment by 5.8 per cent) more than offset the increase in the labour force, and the unemployment rate declined from 8.4 per cent in January 1987 to 7.3 per cent in June 1988; a fall in long-term unemployment is also pointed out. It hopes that the Government will continue to supply information on the development and results of the policies to achieve the aims of the Convention, with particular reference to the effects of labour market programmes, especially training programmes, upon subsequent employment of persons involved. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would provide an evaluation of the impact on the labour market of changes in industry and trade policy and in the wage-fixing system.

4. Concerning the machinery for consultation with the persons affected (Article 3 of the Convention), the Committee notes that the Australian Council for Employment and Training has been replaced by the National Board for Employment, Education and Training, established under the above-mentioned Act, consisting of members appointed by virtue of individual skills and expertise (however, two of them are required to have expertise relating to trade unions and two relating to business or industry). The Committee looks forward to receiving further information on advisory activities of this Board and other advisory councils and committees under the said Act as well as on relevant policies and programmes consequently developed. Finally, it would also be grateful if the Government would supply information on the consideration given to the recommendations, relevant to the matters covered by the Convention, made by the National Labour Consultative Council in its 1987 report on "Labour Market Flexibility in the Australian Setting".