BRING BACK THE CES!

Sign the petition to help us build support for re-nationalising government employment services. Together, we can revive the highly successful CES and ensure quality support for job seekers across Australia.

In 1998, the Howard Government made the decision to privatise the CES, promising competition and improved services. However, the reality has been quite the opposite. A few multinational corporations now dominate the employment services sector, reaping massive profits while failing to deliver on their obligations to job seekers.

Because of our supporters, at the ALP National Conference in 2023, we secured a significant win in the Labor Party’s national policy platform, which acknowledged the flaws of the current system and committed to reform. Our contributions to the Rebuilding Employment Services Report led to recommendations for the establishment of a large Commonwealth public sector provider, Employment Services Australia, and the creation of a watchdog, the Employment Services Quality Commission. The report also proposed essential reforms to the punitive mutual obligations system.

Building on these victories, we helped secure 2024 federal budget funding to expand the public service’s role in delivering employment services, with a $13.2 million investment. These efforts are paving the way for a fairer and more effective employment service system.

Now is the time to take action! Join our campaign and add your voice to the call for a system that truly supports job seekers. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Australians and rebuild an employment service that serves the needs of our community.

You can also order a Bring Back the CES tshirt online now to spread the word about this important campaign.