Failure within the search period - good and sufficient reason

A client may inform MSD at the end of their 2-week search period that they have made a reasonable effort to find a position and have been unsuccessful.

If MSD is satisfied that the client made a reasonable effort to find a position, a Grade 1 financial sanction will be imposed from the day after the search period ends and a recompliance activity must be arranged for the client to complete as soon as possible.

A client may advise MSD before their search period ends that they will be unable to find a suitable position. For example, if a client lives in a small community and has not been able to find a position at any local organisations in the first 10 days.

MSD can consider this a good and sufficient reason if it is satisfied that the client made a reasonable effort and it is unrealistic that the client will find a position by the end of the search period. A Grade 1 financial sanction will be imposed from the date MSD has been informed and determines the client has a good and sufficient reason for failing to find a suitable position.

If a client finds a suitable position but it does not begin within the first week of the position period, it does not meet the requirements for Community Work Experience.

A client may continue looking for a position during the 2-week search period if it is reasonable for them to do so.

MSD may consider the client to have a good and sufficient reason for failing to find Community Work Experience from the:

• day the position is confirmed to be unsuitable, if it is not reasonable for the client to find another position by the end of the search period or
• day after the 2-week search period ends, if the client makes a reasonable effort to find another position but is unsuccessful.

A Grade 1 financial sanction will be imposed from the date MSD has been informed and determines the client has a good and sufficient reason for failing to find a suitable position.