Budget Priorities Next Steps for Welfare Reform The Next Steps in welfare reform announced in this Budget build on previous initiatives including the Job Network and Australians Working Together. The Next Steps provides better targeted assistance to job seekers through the Job Network and increases support and requirements for people claiming or receiving the Disability Support Pension. Assisting job seekers to gain employment
building on Australians Working Together and Job Network		The Job Network, introduced in 1998, provides better, more cost-effective support to job seekers and employers. Last Budget, the Australians Working Together package provided further assistance, obligations and incentives for people to work.
a third Job Network contract		In July 2003, the Government will renew Job Network contracts for the most effective providers and put others to tender. This will ensure Australians receive the best possible value for funding, while minimising disruptions to successful services.
more assistance for job seekers and support for the long-term unemployed		Job seekers will receive further assistance with work-related costs such as training, wage subsidies and transport. They also will receive service delivery guarantees and increased access to job vacancies and job matching services. The Government will guarantee access for people unemployed for 12 months or more to Intensive Support customised assistance. This additional support, combined with access to the Job Seeker Account, will help get the long-term unemployed into work.
increased participation in Work-for-the-Dole		The Government will provide 8,500 additional Work-for-the-Dole places each year to give job seekers greater opportunity to participate.
overall costs		The combination of better targeting, more effective services and the move to fixed price contracts will result in savings under the Third Employment Services Contract.