Jobseekers in Victoria have varying access to opportunities and resources, which can have an impact on their ability to find and retain secure employment. Personal circumstances can combine with broader social and economic factors to create disadvantage and set up a range of employment barriers. For jobseekers facing disadvantage, these barriers are often numerous and complex.

This Inquiry’s terms of reference asked the Committee to examine the social and economic benefits of placing disadvantaged jobseekers into sustainable employment. The Committee chose to expand the Inquiry’s scope to also look at the employment barriers these jobseekers face and how they can be addressed.

The recommendations in this report aim to break down employment barriers through tailored and flexible support and collaboration between employers, service providers, educators and government.