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DAILY in-person attendance requirement?

sgarn
Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:49:37 GMT

So I've just been forced onto a job plan with two hours per day in-person attendance at the job agency. It was insinuated that this was compulsory and that my benefit would be cancelled if I refused. Surely this can't be correct, even with the recent draconian changes to job agency powers? I live over 40 mins from the office, and with Newstart already far below the poverty line I will be forced to spend hundreds per month on transport to satisfy this requirement at no benefit to myself - indeed being forced to use their computers to look for work is a substantial disadvantage relative to using my own collected resources. I was also told that this requirement would hold even if I found part-time work. That is, I would have to attend the part-time job and spend two hours per day in their office if I wanted to avoid being officially penalised. I have only spent five months on Centrelink (two with a medical certificate) and am nowhere near the WftD phase. What are my options? I was forced to sign without understanding my rights, but it appears there is nothing in the Jobactive Deed or department guidelines to support this absurd plan.

cheryldjc
Thu, 23 Aug 2018 05:36:28 GMT

I'm sorry that you have been asked to sign such a onerous job plan. I would suggest that you contact the complaints line on 1800805260. At least they will have to respond to your concerns and you can ask for a response in writing. BTW, this is only my opinion, I'm not one of the moderators.

burden
Fri, 24 Aug 2018 22:58:40 GMT

The issue with the Jobactive Deed is that if you sign, they will mistreat until you do not turn up and as a result, they recommend cancellation of your payments. If you do not sign they recommend cancellation of your payments. You have a lose lose situation. this means that you have signed the deed “Under Duress” this means that it is not legally binding document. Go to legal aid with your Jobactive Deed and ask them to explain it to you. the deed has to be fair for both parties. It cannot favor one party more than the other. Ask for travel allowance from the job network provider. The have fund to give to you either for public transport or taxi. If they send you for a job interview ask them for money to buy clothes and shoes for that interview. If you do not have a mobile phone ask them for a mobile phone and credits. Their obligation is not to waste your time but to help you find work and they must provide you with the means and tools for you. You can also transfer yourself to another job network provider.

greensleeves
Tue, 28 Aug 2018 03:11:34 GMT

Can you change to another job network provider? You can ring another up after finding them on Google, and then chat to someone. If you tell them your difficulties you might find someone there who is sympathetic. Any rate, they will probably tell you it is your right to change job providers. You might find someone at another agency who is not so scrupulous about enforcing the rules. After all, all the job network providers want clients. They might be willing to waive the rules a bit for the sake of picking up another client from a competing agency. You can then go through the paperwork with them, and with the agency you're leaving, and have it sanctioned by Centrelink.

Peter
Tue, 28 Aug 2018 06:08:22 GMT

These requirements are extremely onerous, I would be very surprised if they even have the power to impose such extreme requirements, sounds excessive to me.

samanthadavis
Wed, 29 Aug 2018 21:43:49 GMT

Greensleves, you can change. There is no way you are required to be there 2 hours a day. At five months you may need to go in twice a month. I had direct employment as my default. Their behaviour cause a massive ptsd relapse setting me back months of hard work. Changed to a locally recommended Agency everyone of the empathetic and helpful in negotiating the rules. Don’t put up with their bullying