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

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Australia (Ratification: 1969)

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.