Determining whether Community Work Experience is appropriate
MSD must assess whether Community Work Experience is suitable for a partner and their circumstances before it may be imposed as a non-financial sanction.
Partners will keep getting their full benefit while in Community Work Experience, instead of a 50% financial sanction.
MSD must consider any relevant factors before choosing to impose Community Work Experience. Examples of some factors to consider are listed below.
Partner's obligations
Partners with work obligations who fail a social obligation may have Community Work Experience imposed. However, it may be more appropriate for a partner to recomply with their failure by meeting their social obligations, rather than completing Community Work Experience.
Skills and experience
Community Work Experience may be best if the partner has limited work experience or levels of work readiness.
For example, if a partner has significant work history, or tertiary-level qualifications, Community Work Experience may not help them to become more employable.
However, if a partner has a large gap in their work history, or no connections in their local community, Community Work Experience may still be suitable, depending on their circumstances.
Levels of confidence
Community Work Experience is intended to help a partner build work-related skills and confidence. However, they may find it overwhelming to approach organisations to find and complete a position for the purpose of a sanction.
Community Work Experience will only be suitable if MSD is reasonably satisfied that a partner can find and complete a position.
Previous experience with community or voluntary work
If a partner has previous experience participating in community or voluntary work, it may be more likely that they would commit to carrying out Community Work Experience. This could also help them find a position.
Local availability
In larger towns or cities, there may be more options for a partner to find a suitable position for Community Work Experience. In smaller areas, a partner may not be likely to find a position, or MSD may already know there is less availability there.
It would not be reasonable to impose Community Work Experience if it is unlikely that a partner would be able to successfully find a position in their area.
Known risk factors
It would not be appropriate to impose Community Work Experience as a sanction if MSD is aware of something that could be a risk to the partner, organisation or other people involved. This can include things like known sex offenders or partners with a history of violence.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Sanction for first failure: community work experience: general section 236B Social Security Act 2018
