The Hon MP

Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade 121 Exhibition Street Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events , 3000 Minister for Racing Telephone: +61 3 8392 2205 DX210074 Ref: BMIN19000421

Senator Rachel Siewert Chair Community Affairs References Committee PO Box 6100 Parliament House CAN BERRA ACT 2600

Dear Senator Siewert

COMMONWEALTH SENATE INQUIRY INTO PARENTSNEXT

I refer your letter of 10 December 2018 to the , the Hon MP, inviting the Victorian Government to lodge a submission for the Commonwealth Senate Inquiry into ParentsNext, including its trial and subsequent broader rollout. The Premier has asked me to thank you for your correspondence and respond on his behalf. ·

The Victorian Government has a strong commitment to support jobseekers at risk of being left behind and to work with employers to create more opportunities for unemployed Victorians.

While employment services are primarily the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government, the Victorian Government has invested more than $90 million in employment services to complement and address gaps in Commonwealth services. Jobs Victoria is delivering flexible and tailored support to Victorian jobseekers facing barriers to employment, including single parents. Around 8,500 Victorians have been supported into work since Jobs Victoria commenced in late 2016, including nearly 250 who have identified themselves as single parents.

Effective Commonwealth programs are essential to support jobseekers into work. As a result, Victoria has engaged with the in relation to its review of jobactive and development of the 'next generation' of Commonwealth employment programs. We made a formal submission to that review in 2018, and I have attached a copy for your consideration.

The submission enunciates principles which Victorian experience indicates is associated with the delivery of effective employment programs. In particular, the submission highlights the importance of programs being voluntary and flexible to individual circumstances and the critical importance of Commonwealth programs connecting at the local level with state government services, other community support services and with employers. I trust that this information will be of interest to you and your committee. Should you require any further information, please contact Ms Katrina Currie, Executive Director, Employment at the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions

THE HON MARTIN PAKULA MP Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade

Enc: Victorian Government response to the Australian Government discussion paper on the next generation of employment services cc. The Hon MP, Minister for Women

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