DCA has provided a submission to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations consultation on Shaping the Future of Employment Services Discussion Paper.
Australia’s workforce shortages sit alongside persistent underemployment and labour market exclusion, creating a clear opportunity to better connect employers with the diverse talent already available in the community. DCA’s research shows that many people seeking stable work remain overlooked by current recruitment and employment systems, particularly those facing structural and intersecting barriers such as discrimination, bias, and exclusion.
DCA argues that employment services reform must address not only jobseeker support, but also the employer practices and systemic barriers that limit fair access to work. Reform should promote inclusive recruitment, accessible workplace practices, and responsible AI governance so that employment systems improve participation, reduce exclusion, and deliver better outcomes for individuals, employers, and the Australian economy.
This submission draws on DCA’s past research:
DCA has provided 10 recommendations as part of this submission. This review provides an opportunity to address the barriers faced by jobseekers and the recruitment practices, systems, and technologies that can unintentionally exclude diverse talent.