Have your say

The Australian Government is reforming employment services to better meet the needs of individuals, employers, communities and the economy.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (the department) is consulting on the detailed design of the future mainstream employment service.

We are seeking your feedback to help shape key policy and program settings for that future service.

The department released the Shaping the future of employment services Discussion Paper on 27 May 2026.

The discussion paper sets out the government’s vision for a reformed employment services system and the case for change. It provides an overview of a new employment service built around three service streams to better match support to people’s needs, and seeks feedback on key elements of the design, including:

• how participants are assessed and move between services

• the role of mutual obligations in supporting engagement and progression

• how employment services can better meet employer needs

• provider incentives, capability and commissioning arrangements.

For further information, visit the webpage Employment services reform.

How to make a submission

There are several ways you can provide your submission. You can choose the option that best suits you, or use a combination of options.

All options are submitted online through this page.

You can:

• Complete your submission online by either:

  • working through the consultation questions step by step; or

  • entering general feedback in a short, written response.

• Use the standard submission template, or the Easy Read version

  • Each template includes the consultation questions and space to respond.

• Upload your own document, such as a written submission or report.

To get started, select ‘Make a submission’ below. You will be guided through the available options.

For further guidance, view the How to make a submission guide.

Submissions close at 5:00pm AEST on Friday 31 July 2026