Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee [Part 2]

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee [Part 2], 28 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Mutual Obligations and IT Assurance Testing, Legislative Framework and Payment Suspensions, Compensation Scheme and Data Sharing Systems, National Call…

Chapters

  1. Mutual Obligations and IT Assurance Testing (0:00)

    The committee discusses IT assurance testing for employment systems and the training provided to service providers. It also covers legal reviews and the impact of payment suspensions on job seekers.

  2. Legislative Framework and Payment Suspensions (1:13:36)

    Officials examine the legislative framework for mutual obligations and the consequences of work refusal. The committee discusses the restoration of payments and data collection during program pauses.

  3. Compensation Scheme and Data Sharing Systems (1:19:46)

    The department provides details on the compensation scheme for job seekers and the financial allocations for system updates. Officials explain the process for identifying eligible recipients and the challenges of data sharing between agencies.

  4. National Call Center and Staffing Conversion (1:26:31)

    The committee receives an update on the National Call Center budget and the transition of labor hire staff to permanent public service roles. The department outlines the new employment services reform consultation process and First Nations engagement.

  5. Employment Reform and Triaging Processes (1:43:31)

    Officials review the procurement timeline for Workforce Australia and the use of regional labor market data. The department describes the development of new triaging and assessment instruments for job seekers.

  6. Provider Performance and Outcome Targets (1:55:36)

    The committee analyzes provider performance and the extension of contracts for underperforming services. Members critique the 15% target for 26-week employment outcomes and the methodology used for budget reporting.

  7. Mortality Rates and Income Support Analysis (2:08:13)

    The committee discusses an AIHW report regarding higher mortality rates for individuals on income support. The Minister defends the government's record on cost of living and job creation.

  8. Fee-Free TAFE Funding and State Negotiations (2:29:23)

    Negotiations with states and territories regarding the Fee-Free TAFE skills agreement are examined. The committee discusses funding offers and the potential impact on student placements.

  9. TAFE Evaluation and Procurement Costs (2:39:54)

    The committee reviews the independent midpoint evaluation of Fee-Free TAFE and the associated procurement costs. Officials explain the timeline for the final report and its availability to parliament.

  10. VET Data and Employment Outcomes Tracking (2:43:00)

    Officials discuss data collection limitations regarding student citizenship and residency status in TAFE programs. The department also addresses tracking employment outcomes and VET data definitions.

  11. Apprenticeships and Jobs and Skills Councils (2:53:58)

    The committee reviews apprenticeship methodology and engagement with the civil construction industry. Members question the funding and functions of the Human Ability Jobs and Skills Council.

  12. Apprenticeship Incentives and Migration Role (3:03:29)

    The reduction of apprenticeship incentives for small businesses and the modeling used for these decisions are discussed. Officials provide an update on the proposed Skilled Migration Commissioner role.

  13. Comcare and Cleanaway Workplace Safety (3:17:07)

    Comcare officials discuss Cleanaway's workplace safety record following multiple worker fatalities. The committee examines regulatory oversight, enforceable undertakings, and the impact of private equity ownership.

  14. ASQA Fees and Fraudulent Qualifications (3:46:21)

    The committee reviews ASQA's cost recovery model and the impact of registration fees on small training providers. The agency details its triage process for tip-offs regarding fraudulent qualifications and fake certificates.