Research and analysis

Job Services Australia (RR752)

Research on literature on the development and impacts of the Australian outsourced employment services system.

Documents

Job Services Australia (RR752): report

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Job Services Australia (RR752): summary

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Details

By Dan Finn

Australia has more than a decade of experience in contracting out employment services. This research summarises that experience, and identifies design and implementation lessons for the British context.

The research reviewed literature on the development and impacts of the Australian outsourced employment services system and the transition from the Job Network to Job Services Australia. Another phase included interviews with 20 senior policy makers, providers, and research and advocacy organisations in November 2010.

Although there are significant differences between the British and Australian systems, the findings from this research offer insights into contract design and the potential benefits and risks of outsourcing employment services. These findings are of relevance both to the British welfare to work market and to the implementation of outcome-based contracts in other government services.

Published 1 June 2011