Independent Review of the Job Network

Abstract

In 2001, the Government asked the Commission to undertake a nine-month independent review of the Job Network. The Commission would look at the framework for delivering labour market assistance (the purchaser-provider model) and identify areas where the model could be improved.

The Commission found that the Job Network has so far not made a large difference to net employment, but this was also true for past programs, while the Job Network is less costly. The Commission found there is scope for outcomes to improve over time and has recommended a range of incremental reforms to achieve this.

Keywords: employment service, search effectiveness, Job Matching, Intensive Assistance, Australian Jobsearch System, New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, Project Contracting, Harvest Labour Services, unemployment, Job Search Training

JEL Classification: J