Department of Employment defends service provider Jobactive against criticisms

THE federal Department of Employment has defended itself against criticism of hostile treatment towards Fairfield refugees.

A draft paper from the Refugee Council of Australia looks at issues affecting refugees who have settled in Fairfield.

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THE federal Department of Employment has defended itself against criticism of hostile treatment towards Fairfield refugees by its service provider Jobactive.

The allegations are included in a draft paper put together by the Refugee Council of Australia, which looks at issues affecting refugees who have settled in Fairfield.

The report will be released officially next week, but has been viewed already by a number of media outlets.

Fairfield jobseekers have highlighted some issues they’ve had with government service provider Jobactive.

Some of the issues include disrespectful comments and docked welfare payments.

A spokesman said the Department of Employment had not yet received a copy of the draft report.

“The Government recognises that refugees settling in Australia face greater levels of labour market barriers than other job seekers, including lower levels of English proficiency and education,” the spokesman said. “The Government is committed to helping all jobseekers, including those refugees settling in Australia.”

The Refugee Council of Australia was approached for a comment.