Streamlining Services for Refugees
The Settlement Council of Australia have received an update from the The Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business on the matter of Streamlining Services for Refugees. SCoA believes this is of high importance to the settlement service providers.
From 1 January 2019, newly arrived refugees receiving activity tested income support will be required to be referred to jobactive once they have been receiving income support for six months, rather than up to 13 weeks (as per current arrangements).
Newly arrived refugees receiving activity tested income support (e.g. Youth Allowance (other), Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment Single or Special Benefit) receive an exemption from mutual obligation requirements for their first 13 weeks after arrival in Australia. Newly arrived refugees will be affected by the change if their 13 week exemption period finishes on or after 1 January 2019. There are no changes to referrals to ParentsNext, Transition to Work or Disability Employment Services.
A factsheet has been provided by the Department of Jobs and Small Business which provides further information on Streamlining Services for Refugees. Click below to download and read the factsheet. You may also distribute this factsheet too.