Failure within the search period – good and sufficient reason

A partner 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 partner 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 partner to complete as soon as possible. 

A partner may advise MSD before their search period ends that they will be unable to find a suitable position. For example, if a partner 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 partner made a reasonable effort and it is unrealistic that the partner 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 partner has a good and sufficient reason for failing to find a suitable position. 

If a partner 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 partner 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 partner 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 partner to find another position by the end of the search period or
• day after the 2-week search period ends, if the partner 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 partner has a good and sufficient reason for failing to find a suitable position.