Part 1/5:
Government Warned of Rising Long-Term Unemployment Despite Jobseeker Initiatives
Social Services Department Highlights Growing Dependence on Welfare Payments
The Department of Social Services has issued a stark warning regarding the effectiveness of current employment programs, particularly those administered through the Jobseeker payment system. According to recent data, a significant portion of welfare recipients are remaining on payments for extended periods, indicating stagnation in their employment prospects. Specifically, the share of individuals receiving Jobseeker payments continuously for more than two years has risen from 35% in 2010 to over half—53%—in 2024.