This briefing provides an update on Per Capita's earlier estimates of the cost of Jobactive, given the significant increase in the number of unemployed people needing assistance, and reflects on how the system has adapted so far to the unforeseen surge in case numbers.

Australia's peak body for social services has released its employment election policy priorities, designed to foster full employment, reduce long-term unemployment, and support an effective employment services system.

This report is the result of the Inquiry into the appropriateness and effectiveness of the objectives, design, implementation and evaluation of the Australian public employment service, jobactive.

Analysis of interviews with jobactive staff showed that employment services staff face considerable challenges and competing demands.